In a bold move to bridge the digital skills gap and combat youth unemployment, the Gauteng Department of e-Government has launched an empowering Cybersecurity Skills Development Programme. 
This initiative, in partnership with Netcampus, a leading provider of cybersecurity training, is aimed squarely at unemployed young people across the province. It provides foundational training in key cybersecurity domains while paving a career path into one of the most in-demand fields globally.
According to ICT Director Keikantseona Molete, the programme is more than just a skills course, it's an entry point into the fast-evolving world of cybersecurity.
"Our objective is to expose unemployed youth to the world of cybersecurity, with a strong focus on building awareness and foundational skills that are essential in today's digital economy," says Molete.
The programme starts by focusing on end-user awareness, helping participants understand the critical role they play in cybersecurity as digital citizens.
"Cyber awareness is the first line of defence. Before you can defend networks or systems, you must understand the threats and behaviours that put them at risk," Molete explains.
Participants are then introduced to key concepts in the field, including:
Ethical Hacking Essentials – an introduction to ethical hacking, why it's done, and how it supports cybersecurity.
Network Defence Essentials – core concepts and practical skills needed to defend systems and infrastructure from cyber threats.
To ensure inclusivity and reach, participants have been selected from all five Gauteng corridors, with a deliberate focus on youth from Townships, Informal Settlements, and Hostels (TISH) communities.
"We wanted this programme to be accessible, especially to young people who often don't have access to opportunities like this. Talent can come from anywhere, it just needs the right exposure and support," adds Molete.
The programme is not only introductory but also includes a pathway to international certification. Learners who complete the assessment successfully will be awarded certificates for the initial course. From this group, 50 participants will go on to complete the Cybersecurity Certified Technician (CCT) qualification from the internationally recognised EC-Council.
"Those who complete the full certification will be qualified to serve as entry-level cybersecurity staff within various government departments," Molete says. "This means we're not just teaching skills—we're creating employability and future-proofing our workforce."
The initiative is being delivered in partnership with Netcampus, a leading provider of cybersecurity training, and EC-Council, an international authority on cybersecurity certification and education.
As Molete concludes, "Cybercrime is increasing exponentially. It is critical that both the private and public sectors are equipped to protect information and ensure that services remain available and secure. This programme is a step in that direction, starting with our youth."
Through this initiative, the Gauteng Department of e-Government is not only boosting cybersecurity readiness but also investing in the future of young people, creating a digital-first province that's secure, skilled, and inclusive.