UJ and Google Partner to Boost Youth Cybersecurity Skills

The Johannesburg Business School at the University of Johannesburg (UJ), in partnership with Google.org have launched a two-year cybersecurity training programme aimed at equipping 100 unemployed graduates and matriculants from underserved provinces with critical digital skills. 

Funded by a $500,000 (R4 million) grant from Google.org, the Cybersecurity Seminars Programme will not only develop much-needed cybersecurity talent, but also provide hands-on support to 125 small to medium sized enterprises (SMEs) across South Africa, helping them strengthen their cyber defences. 

Participants will undergo practical training in areas such as threat detection, risk management, and data protection before working directly with SMEs, where they will assess business vulnerabilities and implement security improvements. 

“Many small businesses don’t realise they’re targets until it’s too late,” says Prof Stella Bvuma, Equality, Diversity and Inclusion (EDI) Champion for the programme. “This initiative doesn’t just build technical skills - it safeguards the backbone of our economy.”

Cybersecurity continues to be a pressing issue in South Africa. According to Mimecast’s The State of Email and Collaboration Security 2024 report, 40% of security breaches come from human errors such as stolen credentials, misuse of access privileges, or social engineering. Email remains the primary attack route for cyber threats such as phishing, spoofing and ransomware.

“Many SMEs lack the budget for dedicated cybersecurity staff. Having trained professionals assess their vulnerabilities and recommend solutions is a game-changer. By  investing in cybersecurity skills, we’re not just protecting data, we’re securing livelihoods, businesses, and the future of our digital economy,” concludes Prof. Bvuma.