Southern Africa-Netherlands Cyber Security School 2025

Develop your career in Cyber Security

The Southern Africa-Netherlands Cyber Security School (SANCS) is an annual online event organised by Dutch and Southern African organisations for students and young to mid-career professionals who are interested in cybersecurity issues and are based in Southern Africa or the Netherlands. The central goal of this school is to give SANCS students the opportunity to grow professionally and academically in the sphere of cybersecurity through free expert lectures and online action learning. The second edition of SANCS is will be taking place from 3 March – 10 April 2025! SANCS is inspired by the Indo-Dutch Cyber Security School, co-organised by HCSS.

Attend the latest SANCS

The need for ethical and highly educated professionals in Cybersecurity is more pressing than ever. HCSS is proud to announce that SANCS24 was the first online course in cybersecurity for students and young professionals based in Southern Africa- the Netherlands, which was held from 11 March to 18 April 2024. SANCS will be back from 3 March – 10 April 2025. SANCS25 will again offer a valuable opportunity for participants to gain further expertise in Cybersecurity. Exemplary attendees will be rewarded with up to two Certificates in the taught specialties. Apart from a rich academic experience, participants have the chance to meet with new people including our expert speakers, our partner’s representatives and fellow students, and broaden their network.

Download the factsheet of the 2025 edition here and the 2024 edition here.

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Cyber Talent Accelerator Track: SANCS Alumni

The most recent Southern Africa-Netherlands Cyber Security School had the Cyber Security Institute from South Africa sponsor the Cyber Talent Accelerator Track (CTA), which will again be offering 20 places for a cybersecurity training program for selected participants of the 2025 edition of the Southern Africa – Netherlands Cyber Security School. This CTA is a segway into the cybersecurity field and helps students and young professionals from Southern Africa to become capable of entering the cybersecurity working environment. 

The CTA is full-time, six-month advanced cybersecurity training and work-readiness program. The 20 candidates will be funded through the Netherlands Embassy in South Africa and presented by the Cyber Security Institute (CSI). The SANCS CTA Program features the CSI Certificate in Cyber Security accredited by the Cape Peninsula University of Technology (CPUT) and the Professional Development Program featuring IT and AI essentials, Industry Masterclasses, Python Programming, a Cyber Range, workplace simulations and the African Thunder Challenge with our industry experts!

Programme and speakers

Our cybersecurity education initiatives cover a diverse array of subjects including forensics in cybersecurity, data protection, blockchain, artificial intelligence, cyber arms monitoring, and cloud computing. Our esteemed speakers hail from various fields such as computer science, crisis and security management, law, and industry. Students of SANCS25 will also enhance their understanding through practical learning challenges, completed within interdisciplinary teams and evaluated by our collaborating partners. Explore the previous programme details here.

Programme
Challenges
Study Guide
3000+

Number of registrations SANCS25

81

Different countries taking part in SANCS25

SANCS Ambassadors

Paballo Zulu

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Ashly Mhlanga

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Katleho Moloi

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Katleho Tshehle

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Refilwe Mantu

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Liza Rikhotso

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SANCS25 Testimonials

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Our partners in academia, government and industry

SANCS is co-organised and supported by a wide range of partners from industry, research and government. Our partners for 2025 include The Hague centre for Strategic Studies, Stellenbosch University, the Cyber Security Institute (CSI) and the Embassy of the Kingdom of the Netherlands in South Africa.

Organisers

Organisers

Challenge Partners

Organisers

Partners

Partner organisations

National Cyber Resilience Game

During SANCS, students have the opportunity to play the National Cyber Resilience Game. This serious game further educates students on cyber resilience and challenges them to collectively analyse the capabilities required to make South Africa more cyber resilient. Find out more about HCSS serious gaming here. 

News

SANCS26 is now open for Registration!

SANCS is back for 2026! The third edition will be taking place from March 2nd - April 10th, 2026 and registration is now officially open! We hope to welcome even more participants than we did last year, so register quick to secure your spot. This online Cyber Security school caters to postgraduate students and young to mid-career professionals interested in cybersecurity matters, specifically those based in Southern Africa or the Netherlands.

The Southern Africa – Netherlands Cyber Security School (SANCS) Career Day

HCSS, SANCS, Stellenbosch University, Deloitte and the Netherlands Embassy and Consulate in South Africa are extremely excited to finally share the recap of the SANCS Career Day that was held back in May at Deloitte South Africa’s headquarters in Johannesburg. Watch the recap video and see impressions from the day.

SANCS25 partners with Microsoft!

The Southern Africa - Netherlands Cyber Security School (SANCS) is excited to announce that we will be partnering with Microsoft for SANCS 25!

SANCS25 partners with DataGr8!

The Southern Africa - Netherlands Cyber Security School (SANCS) is excited to announce that we will be partnering with DataGr8 for SANCS 25!

SANCS25 partners with Hunt & Hackett!

The Southern Africa - Netherlands Cyber Security School (SANCS) is excited to announce that we will be partnering with Hunt & Hackett for SANCS 25!

SANCS25 partners with Africa Talent by Deloitte!

The Southern Africa - Netherlands Cyber Security School (SANCS) is thrilled to announce that we will be partnering with Africa Talent by Deloitte for SANCS 25!

SANCS25 is now open for Registration!

SANCS is back as the Southern Africa-Netherlands Cyber Security School (SANCS) and is now open for registration! After the success of the inaugural SANCS earlier in March this year, we are eager to show you what we have in store in 2025. This online Cyber Security school caters to postgraduate students and young to mid-career professionals interested in cybersecurity matters, specifically those based in Southern Africa or the Netherlands.

SANCS is now open for Registration!

The South Africa-Netherlands Cyber Security School (SANCS) proudly announces the commencement of registrations for its upcoming edition, SANCS 24. This online Cyber Security school caters to postgraduate students and young to mid-career professionals interested in cybersecurity matters, specifically those based in Southern Africa or the Netherlands.
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Meet the lecturers

  • Michel Rademaker

    Michel Rademaker is one of the co-founders of HCSS and the Deputy Director. His fields of expertise include security strategy, policy, concepts and doctrines, technology assessments, geopolitical and economic security implications of climate change, raw materials and energy supply and serious gaming techniques.

    At SANCS, he will host the ‘Cyber Resilience Game’, an online serious-game that allows students to practically engage with hypothetical cyber incidents. The game will be explained in 3 Phases and end with a results session.

    Michel Rademaker

    Deputy Director HCSS


  • Noëlle Van der Waag-Cowling

    Noëlle Van der Waag-Cowling is the Cyber Programme Lead at SIGLA, Stellenbosch University. She has served as a member of the Group of Global Experts to the International Committee of the Red Cross and the Tana Forum. She has featured in the Top 50 Women in Cyber in Africa and ‘Deloitte’s Global Women in Cyber’. Noëlle is also an affiliate member of the University of Canberra’s National Security Hub and research co-chair for the Carnegie Endowment’s Project for Cybersecurity and Financial Inclusion. She is a project research partner at the Mandela Mining Precinct and the SA program coordinator for SANCS 24.

    In addition, at SANCS she will also be moderating two of the panel lectures.

    Noëlle Van der Waag-Cowling

    Cyber Programme Lead at SIGLA, Stellenbosch University

  • Frits Bussemaker

    Frits Bussemaker is the chair of the ‘Institute for Accountability in the Digital Age’. An association instigated by UNESCO in 2017 aimed to help define instruments for, and manage accountability in the Digital Age. Bussemaker has a passion for bringing people together in the Digital Age. He has initiated and helped run a number of (international) communities focused on linking Information Technology, Innovation and Impact including ITU’s AIforGood and is a member of the Global Board of Directors of the WITSA. He is a regular speaker on community building and chair at international events and has spoken all over the world.

    At SANCS, he will provide a lecture on Accountability in the Digital Age.

    Frits Bussemaker

    Chair Institute for Accountability in the Digital Age

  • Thomas Attema

    Thomas Attema is a senior researcher in the Applied Cryptography and Quantum Applications department of TNO and the Cryptology group of CWI. In 2023, he obtained his PhD at Leiden University. He focusses on the development of new cryptographic techniques capable of withstanding quantum attacks and allowing data to be analysed in a privacy preserving manner.

    At SANCS, Thomas will provide a lecture on the Quantum threat to Cryptography. Quantum computers form a significant threat to many of the cryptographic primitives that are currently in use. To mitigate this threat a timely migration to new cryptographic primitives, capable of withstanding quantum attacks, is essential.

    Thomas Attema

    Senior Researcher at TNO

  • Johan de Wit

    Johan de Wit works for Siemens Smart Infrastructure Technical Officer Enterprise Security and is involved in global Siemens portfolio development. He owns a masters degree in Security Science and recently successfully defended his PhD at Delft Technical University where he explored the characteristics of security risk assessments. He is a member of various expert communities and advisory boards like: the Dutch National Cyber Security Center, ASIS, Information Security Forum, Overseas Security Advisory Board (OSAC). He is a regular speaker at conferences and universities and publishes papers and articles.

    At SANCS he will give a lecture on Cybersecurity of Operational Technology (OT).

    Johan de Wit

    Technical Officer Enterprise Security at Siemens Smart Infrastructure

  • Hans Henseler

    Hans is senior digital forensics scientist at the Netherlands Forensic Institute and a part-time professor Digital Forensics & E-Discovery at the University of Applied Sciences Leiden. He is chairman of the Board of Directors of DFRWS until recently he was a member of the board of the Netherlands Register of Court Experts (NRGD). From 2010-2014 he was partner and senior E-Discovery consultant at Fox IT. Besides E-Discovery projects he also led the development of Tracks Inspector. Tracks Inspector separated from Fox-IT after a management buy-out in 2014 where Hans was CEO and co-founder until the acquisition by Magnet Forensics in 2018 where he was Director of Digital Evidence Review until March 2020.

    At SANCS, he will provide a lecture on Digital Forensics.

    Hans Henseler

    Senior Scientist Digital Forensics at Netherlands Forensic Institute

  • Olaf Kolkman

    Olaf Kolkman is an executive-level advisor to, and spokesperson of, the Internet Society, where he strategises, analyses, formulates, reviews and advises on technical, and policy issues. For over 2 and a half decades, Olaf has been actively engaged in the intersection of Internet technology, society and policy matters, in particular those related to security and trustworthiness of the Internet. He serves on several advisory boards is member of the SIDN supervisory board and is treasurer of the Global Forum on Expertise in Cyberspace Foundation. He was also a commissioner on the Global Commission on the Stability of Cyberspace. He describes himself as an Internet generalist and evangineer, somebody with deep knowledge on some of the Internet’s technical aspects who particularly enjoys bridging the technology-society-policy gaps.

    At SANCS, he will provide a lecture on The Internet Way of Networking.

    Olaf Kolkman

    Principal – Internet Technology, Policy and Advocacy at Internet Society

  • Jeroen van den Hoven

    Jeroen van den Hoven is University Professor at Delft University of Technology where he is scientific Director of the Delft Digital Ethics Centre. He is founding Editor in Chief of the journal Ethics and Information Technology (Springer Nature). Van den Hoven serves as a permanent member of the European Group on Ethics (EGE) to the President of the European Commission and as permanent member of the Ethics and AI High Level Expert Group of the WHO. He also advises the Spanish Government on Ethical and Social aspects of AI and has published widely on the ethics of digital technologies. He is co-editor of the Research Handbook on Meaningful Human Control and Autonomous Technology (Elgar, 2024) and a Commissioner of the Global Commission on Responsible AI in the Military Domain (GC REAIM).

    At SANCS, he will provide a lecture on Ethics of AI.

    Jeroen van den Hoven

    University Professor at Delft University of Technology/Scientific Director of the Delft Digital Ethics Centre

  • Tima Soni

    Tima Soni joined The United Nations International Computing Centre (UNICC) in 2016 as Head, Information Security Services. In 2019, she was appointed as Chief, Cybersecurity Division to oversee the cybersecurity programme for UNICC. Tima has worked to develop and implement information security programmes by delivering various information security initiatives including information security governance, risk management, security operations and security awareness as per industry best practices. She has helped UN Agencies in responding to complex cybersecurity incidents and developed cybersecurity roadmaps for many UNICC clients and partner organisations.

    At SANCS, she will be co-providing a lecture with Amedeo Cioffi on Security Operations Centers (SOC).

    Tima Soni

    Chief, Cybersecurity Division at The United Nations International Computing Centre (UNICC)

  • Amedeo Cioffi

    Amedeo Cioffi joined UNICC in 2019 as Head of Cybersecurity Operations that oversees the Cybersecurity operations capabilities for UNICC and UNICC’s Partner Organizations. Today, while serving as Chief Cybersecurity Operations, Amedeo oversees UNICC’s cyber team of experts in various locations for more than 40 subscribers. He has served UN organizations in different roles including acting Chief Information Security Officer (CISO). Amedeo strongly believes in collaboration and sharing of knowledge within the cybersecurity community and has spearheaded the development of many common cyber security solutions within the UN family. He has actively supported UNICC partner agencies in responding to complex cyber security incidents, and Cyber threat intelligence as result of these. Amedeo oversees the delivery of several UNICC cybersecurity operations services that include the common secure threat intelligence network, SOC, Incident Response, Threat Hunting. Before joining UNICC, Amedeo has worked for Europol Operations Center and NATO in the Cybersecurity Service Line. Amedeo holds an M.Sc. in Information Technology, M.Sc. in Cyber Crime and Computer Forensic Investigations, holds industry information security certifications GCFA, GWAPT, OSWP, etc.

    At SANCS, he will be co-providing a lecture with Tima Soni on Security Operations Centers (SOC).

    Amedeo Cioffi

    Chief, Cybersecurity Operations at The United Nations International Computing Centre (UNICC)

  • Charlotte Lindsey

    Charlotte Lindsey, a Subject Matter Expert at HCSS, has over 30 years of experience in the humanitarian sector, focusing on the impact and risks of emerging technologies. Formerly Director of Digitalization and Data at the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) and Chief Public Policy Officer at the CyberPeace Institute, she has published on digital transformation, cyberattacks, cybersecurity, and women in war. She is a Research Fellow at UC Berkeley Human Rights Center. She led digital strategies for the ICRC and Terre des hommes, a Swiss INGO, set up the ICRC’s Data Protection Office, and engaged with the UN on cyberspace policy. She co-chaired the Working Group on Cyber Mercenaries of the Paris Call for Trust and Security in Cyberspace. Currently, she is co-writing a report on the AI-Cybersecurity Nexus for the Paris Peace Forum, to be released at the 2025 AI Summit.

    At SANCS, she will provide a lecture on Cyber Mercenaries.

    Charlotte Lindsey

    Strategic Advisor Cyber Security, HCSS

  • Sanjeev Relia

    Col. Sanjeev Relia (Retired) is a seasoned cybersecurity expert and former Indian Army officer with over 32 years of experience in telecommunications, cyber operations, and national security. He has held key roles in the Indian Army, including commanding elite signal units and serving with the National Security Guard. After retiring, he transitioned to the private sector, where he currently serves as the Chief Strategy Officer at Athenian Tech. He is also a consultant for the Centre for Humanitarian Dialogue in Geneva and an accomplished author on cybersecurity topics, including the book Cyber Warfare: Its Implications on National Security.

    At SANCS, he will take part in a panel on ‘Cybersecurity & Emerging Technologies’ during the Inaugural Opening Ceremony.

    Sanjeev Relia

    Chief Strategy Officer at Athenian Tech Limited

  • Jaco Swanepoel

    Jaco Swanepoel is a dedicated cybersecurity professional with 15 years of expertise in Digital Forensics, Incident Response and Cyber Threat Intelligence. He now heads a team of Threat Hunters and Intelligence analysts at a leading Financial Services Provider covering various regions on the African Continent. He enjoys sharing knowledge on cybersecurity topics and is currently running the weekly SocVel Cyber Quiz as an outlet for this passion.

    At SANCS, he will provide a lecture on Key Cyber Threat Intelligence, Digital Forensics, and Incident Response Skills for Every Security Analyst.

    Jaco Swanepoel

    Senior Manager: Threat Hunting & Intelligence at Absa Group

  • Dikeledi Mzimba

    Dikeledi Mzimba is an Aviation Security Risk Specialist at the South African Civil Aviation Authority (SACAA), with over 15 years of experience in information security and risk analysis within the public sector. Her expertise encompasses managing security postures, enhancing cybersecurity awareness, and integrating robust security frameworks to mitigate emerging threats. At SACAA, she plays a pivotal role in shaping and implementing the Aviation Security Risk Framework, ensuring aviation security measures remain comprehensive and adaptive to evolving risks. Additionally, she leads the development and execution of South Africa’s Civil Aviation Cybersecurity Strategy, reinforcing the country’s aviation sector against cyber threats.

    At SANCS, she will provide a lecture on Aviation Cyber Security.

    Dikeledi Mzimba

    Aviation Security Risk Specialist, South African Civil Aviation Authority (SACAA)

  • Jesper de Boer

    Jesper de Boer is an IT-audit director at Deloitte Netherlands. His fields of experience are Third Party Assurance, IT-audits and Cyber all within the financial services industry. Jesper has experience with NIST, Cobit and the new European resilience legislation DORA. Jesper is part of the workgroup DORA of the Dutch IT-audit association.

    At SANCS, he will host Cyber controls together with Jeleen Kombrink.

    Jesper de Boer

    IT-audit director at Deloitte Netherlands

  • Jeleen Kombrink

    Jeleen Kombrink is a Cyber Strategy senior manager at Africa Talent by Deloitte within South Africa, supporting North South Europe Deloitte clients. Her fields of experience are audit, fraud, cybersecurity and cyber operational resilience, all within the financial services industry, both in South Africa and the Netherlands. Jeleen has experience with NIST and the new European resilience legislation DORA.

    At SANCS, she will host a lecture on Cyber controls together with Jesper de Boer.

    Jeleen Kombrink

    Cyber Strategy senior manager at Africa Talent by Deloitte

  • Tom Moester

    Tom Moester is Cyber Security Consultancy Lead at Hunt & Hackett, a leading cyber security company in The Netherlands with a focus on protecting organisations that are or may be affected by sophisticated cyber attacks. His fields of expertise include cyber security assessments, threat intelligence and attack scenarios, roadmap development to digital resilience and cyber security frameworks.

    At SANCS, he will present a digital threat analysis for the upcoming NATO summit in The Hague. How do malicious actors operate in cyberspace? Threat scenarios are discussed from a geopolitical perspective, including espionage, sabotage, disruption, and disinformation campaigns. Who then are the key threat actors, and what tactics and techniques do the use? How does this impact the Summit locations, embassies, government institutions, and critical sectors in The Netherlands? How can cyber resilience be strengthened in the lead-up to this and other major international events?

    Tom Moester

    Cyber Security Consultancy Lead at Hunt & Hackett

  • Kerissa Varma

    With over 20 years of experience in cybersecurity, including two Group CISO roles at some of Africa‘s biggest companies (Vodacom and Old Mutual), Kerissa joined Microsoft in October 2024 as the new Chief Security Advisor for Africa. Kerissa’s cybersecurity experience spans a number of industries including government, telecommunication and financial services. Having engaged and managed complex environments and geographically dispersed teams, and been accountable for board, regulatory and governmental engagement on cybersecurity across multiple countries, Kerissa brings with her a wealth of leadership and senior stakeholder engagement skills. Her aim is to make cybersecurity simple to understand and communicate, and to empower leaders to think about cybersecurity as a business priority. Her conversations focus on how Microsoft and customers are protecting themselves and planning for the future. Kerissa is passionate about empowering women in cybersecurity and is also the President and Founder of Women in Cybersecurity (WiCyS) Southern Africa which encourages gender equity in cybersecurity across 11 African countries.

    At SANCS, Kerissa will participate in an Expert Panel on ‘Cybersecurity and Emerging Technologies’ during the Inaugural.

    Kerissa Varma

    Microsoft Chief Security Advisor for Africa

  • Jabu Mtsweni

    Dr. Jabu Mtsweni is the Head of the Information and Cyber Security Centre at CSIR, a Chief Researcher, and an NRF-rated (C2) expert. A Certified Cybersecurity Manager and Research Fellow at Stellenbosch University, he also leads the National Policy Data Observatory for data-driven policy-making. With a PhD in Computer Science, he has 20+ years of experience in cybersecurity, ICT, and research, earning recognition among South Africa’s Top 50 Cybersecurity Professionals. An author of 90+ publications, he is an active speaker, mentor, and contributor to international cybersecurity standards and initiatives.

    At SANCS, Jabu will participate in an Expert Panel on ‘Cybersecurity and Emerging Technologies’ during the Inaugural.

    Jabu Mtsweni

    Head of Information and Cyber Security Centre and Chief Researcher at the Council for Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR)

  • Barend Pretorius

    Dr. Barend Pretorius holds a PhD in the Cybersecurity of the Industrial Internet of Things (IIoT), a Master’s degree in Information Systems, and a Bachelor of Science (Honours) in Mathematical Statistics. A Certified Information Security Manager (CISM) with over 18 years of experience, Dr. Pretorius joined Transnet Group in 2014 as a Senior Information Security Analyst and has since advanced through various roles. He currently serves as the Executive Manager: Information Security & Governance at Transnet Group, where he is responsible for establishing and maintaining an enterprise-wide information security program and strategy, including an Information Security Management System, ICT Governance, Risk, and Compliance.

    At SANCS, he will provide a lecture on Cybersecurity in the Maritime Sector.

    Barend Pretorius

    Executive Manager: Information Security & Governance at Transnet Group

  • Unathi Mothiba

    As a seasoned Product Manager, Unathi Mothiba is passionate about leveraging technology to drive transformative change across the African continent. With a focus on secure digital transformation, he aims to harness the intricate interplay between people, processes, and technology to create innovative and sustainable solutions. His career is dedicated to understanding and addressing the unique challenges and opportunities within the African digital landscape, ensuring that advancements are both impactful and secure’.

    At SANCS, he will provide a lecture on Fortifying the Future: Cloud Security Strategies for Safeguarding Smart Devices.

    Unathi Mothiba

    Technical Product Manager ‑ Managed Cyber Security at Reflex

  • Moliehi Makumane

    Moliehi Makumane is a researcher with the Security and Technology Programme at UNIDIR. Her expertise spans the international cybersecurity domain with emphasis on the implications of emerging technologies for security in developing countries. Before joining UNIDIR, Moliehi was with South Africa’s Department of International Relations and Cooperation where she led the international cybersecurity file, as negotiator in the OEWG and a senior advisor in the UN GGE. She also worked on the Inter governmental expert Group on cybercrime. She holds an Honours Degree in political and international studies from Rhodes University, Makhanda, South Africa. She speaks English and South Sotho. Moliehi’s areas of expertise include international ICT security and international cybercrime.

    At SANCS, she will provide a lecture on State Behaviour in Cyberspace.

    Moliehi Makumane

    Researcher with the Security and Technology Programme at UNIDIR

  • Michelle Govender

    Michelle Govender is a leader in cybersecurity, dedicated to building resilient and secure digital businesses. With a background in engineering and a passion for organisational design, she has spent her career driving cybersecurity strategies that safeguard critical infrastructure. Her mission is to empower businesses to navigate the digital future securely and confidently.
    Her experience spans cybersecurity strategy for power utilities, culture transformation, risk management, and cyber resilience. As a certified professional engineer and Certified Information Security Manager (CISM), Michelle contributes to shaping cybersecurity governance at national and international levels. Committed to knowledge-sharing, she actively contributes to CIGRE’s global initiatives and the South African Institute of Electrical Engineers (SAIEE), helping practitioners stay ahead of cybersecurity challenges. Michelle is an advocate for a security-first culture and security by design, inspiring organisations to embrace digital security as a digital transformation enabler.

    At SANCS, she will provide a lecture on The OT Cyber Threat Landscape in Energy: Managing Risk Through Governance.

    Michelle Govender

    Octarity Cyber Risk Director

  • Justin Westcott

    Justin Westcott is Chief Technology Officer at DataGr8, a South African based Cyber Security company. Justin spent 10 years in the South African National Defence Force as a military pilot before transitioning to the private sector. His experience in cyber security spreads across the consulting, training, and research domains. His passion for the Cyber Security domain lies in Cyber risk management, Vulnerability Management Maturity, and cyber skills development. His roots in Cyber Security stem from Penetration Testing, Digital Forensics, and drone technologies research. His private sector experience ranges to include assisting organisations in assessing Cyber Security postures, maturing vulnerability management processes, quantifying cyber resilience roadmaps, creating security-aware cultures, and mapping best practice frameworks to bespoke training of security specialists by means of facilitated, gamified cyber security training.

    At SANCS, he will provide a lecture on Cyber controls and risk management.

    Justin Westcott

    Chief Technology Officer at DataGr8

  • Anna Collard

    Anna Collard is the SVP of Content Strategy & Evangelist for KnowBe4 Africa where she drives security awareness across the African continent. Collard founded Popcorn Training, which was acquired by KnowBe4 in 2018. Anna holds a Master of Science in Cyber Psychology (University of Applied Sciences Vienna). Anna is an ambassador in the Global Council for Responsible AI (GCRAI), and a member of the World Economic Forum’s Global Future Council Cybersecurity. Collard is also a founding board member of the MiDO Cyber Academy Programme, aimed at underserved communities in the Western Cape to bridge the cyber skills divide in South Africa. Anna featured in the Top 20 Global Cybersecurity Women of 2024, won the Global Cybersecurity Women of the Year Award 2023 in the People’s Choice Category, Women in Tech Innovations Throughout Africa 2020 Award for Southern and Central Africa, featured in the Top 50 Women in Cybersecurity – Africa 2020 and in the 100 influential women in tech South Africa by Brainstorm magazine 2024.

    At SANCS, she will provide a lecture on Attention is the New Perimeter: Digital Mindfulness in Human Risk Management.

    Anna Collard

    SVP Content Strategy & Evangelist KnowBe4 Africa 

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: When will SANCS25 take place?

A: SANCS25 will be held from 3 March – 10 April 2025. The lecture series commenced on 4 March and continue on Monday, Tuesday, Wendesday and Thursday for the subsequent three weeks. Following this, a two-week challenge period unfolds, where students collaborate in groups to accomplish targeted tasks. Throughout the entire period, the National Cyber Resilience Game will be played. The outcomes of the National Cyber Resilience Game and these challenges will be unveiled during the closing week of SANCS25, culminating in the Closing Ceremony on 10 April.

Q: How much time should I allocate for SANCS25 coursework and assignments?

A: Participants in SANCS25 are expected to engage on a part-time basis to ensure their academic commitments aren’t compromised. Generally, attendees will need to dedicate around 20 hours to lectures and 10 hours to assignments spread across four weeks.

Q: When will the final program details be disclosed?

A: The complete program details for SANCS25 will be made available closer to the start of the course, encompassing course specifics and instructors. Assignment details will be released midway through the courses, coinciding with the participant selection process from the student pool.

Q: I lack a background in Cybersecurity. Can I still apply for SANCS25?

A: Absolutely! The lectures in SANCS25 are thoughtfully curated to cater to both newcomers to the field and those aiming to build upon existing knowledge.

Q: I don’t meet all the criteria. Can I still apply for SANCS25?

A: Yes, motivation and your current Cybersecurity knowledge are taken into account. While priority is given to eligible and highly motivated applicants, partial fulfillment of criteria doesn’t preclude your application.

Q: Is there a participation fee?

A: There is no participation fee due to the generous contributions of our sponsors and partner organisations.

Q: How will courses be conducted?

A: This year’s courses will be conducted online. Participants need a digital device (desktop, laptop, or smartphone) with sufficient bandwidth to attend livestreamed lectures via Microsoft Teams.

**Please note that the email you register with on Eventbrite needs to be the same email you plan to attend the lectures with on Microsoft Teams. The attendance is automated; thus, we need the name and email that you use to be consistent. If you need to change your email, please simply re-register via Eventbrite.**

Download Microsoft Teams here: https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/microsoft-teams/download-app

Q: What type of Certificate will I receive?

A: SANCS25 furnishes two types of certifications. Upon attending the initial lectures and participating in the Game, participants earn a Certificate of Attendance. Successful completion of the Challenges, constituting the second phase, results in a Certification of Participation.

**Our certificates are also automated which is why it’s important to keep the name/email you use consistent, so you don’t miss out on receiving a certificate for the work you’ve done**

Q: What are the Certificate requirements?

A: Students attending at least 75% of the SANCS25 lectures and meet the participation requirements for the National Cyber Resilience Game obtain an official Certificate of Attendance. Successfully concluding a Challenge grants participants a Certificate of Participation.

Q: I still have a question, where can I ask it?

A: If you still have unanswered questions and/or want some further clarifications, please watch the online optional Q&A session that we hosted on February 27th from 15:00-16:00 SAST / 14:00-15:00 CET. There will be 2025 Q&A session scheduled in due course, before the SANCS25 registrations close.

The SANCS25 Team

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Michel Rademaker

Michel Rademaker

Deputy Director
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Stephanie Govaerts

Stephanie Govaerts

Communications and Events Officer
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Berend (Beer) Kwak

Berend (Beer) Kwak

Fellow, Geopolitical Risk and Strategy
Noelle van der waag-Cowling

Noelle van der waag-Cowling

Strategy and Innovation Officer, Cyber Security Institute. Fellow School for Data & Computational Sciences, Stellenbosch University
Link to: Michel Rademaker

Michel Rademaker

Deputy Director

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