bizcommunity | May 20, 2025
In response to South Africa's growing cybersecurity crisis, Johannesburg Business School (JBS) at the University of Johannesburg (UJ) has partnered with Google.org to launch a cybersecurity seminar program aimed at supporting learners with critical digital security skills while supporting local businesses.
Bolstered by a $500,000 (R4m) grant from Google.org, the two-year program will train 100 unemployed and enrollees from underserved states, allowing 125 small businesses to help strengthen cyber defense.
South Africa ranks in the top three world cybercrime, according to Interpol. Small businesses, which make up more than 90% of South African businesses, are particularly at risk due to limited resource and cybersecurity awareness.
Practical training
Cybersecurity seminar programs address this gap directly by combining education with practical applications. Participants will receive practical training in threat detection, risk management, and data protection before working directly with SMEs to implement security improvements.
With UJ's strategic focus focused on future technology and 4IR, the program is designed to generate long-term economic resilience.
“Cybersecurity isn't just an IT issue, but it's a business survival skill,” explains Carol Kessey, acting director: Center for Entrepreneurship. “We are working on unemployment while increasing digital security at the community level by training young professionals and deploying them within vulnerable small businesses.”
Google.org's support highlights the importance of collaborative solutions in tackling digital inequality. “By investing in cybersecurity education, Google.org helps to build a safer internet for everyone,” says Professor Stella Bvuma, Equality, Diversity and Inclusion (EDI) Champion for the program.
Employment Opportunities
Beyond fast participants, this initiative opens the door to employment in one of the fastest growing sectors in the world. With more than 20,000 cybersecurity jobs in South Africa, program graduates are well suited to enter high-demand areas.
For small businesses, benefits are equally important. “Many small businesses don't have a dedicated cybersecurity staff budget,” says Bvuma. “It's a game changer when trained professionals assess their vulnerabilities and recommend solutions.”
The uj-google.org Cybersecurity Seminar Programme represents an active response to one of South Africa's most pressing economic and technical challenges. Set precedents on how public-private partnerships can drive meaningful change by integrating education, employment and corporate support.
Professor Bvuma said, “When investing in cybersecurity skills, we not only protect our data, but also ensure a future for our livelihoods, businesses, and the digital economy.”
“Disclaimer – the views and opinions expressed in this article are the views of the author and are not necessarily those of the Bee Room.”
