By Kgothatso Monono
Students from the Faculty of Information and Communication Technology鈥檚 (FoICT) Department of Information Technology and Computer Science, showcased their skills at the IITPSA SIG Cyber Student Challenge, held on 29 September 2025 at the CSIR International Conference Centre in Pretoria.
The competition, hosted by the Institute of Information Technology Professionals South Africa (IITPSA) Special Interest Group on Cybersecurity (SIGCyber), brought together students from top universities, including the University of Pretoria, University of Johannesburg, Nelson Mandela University, North-West University and the Tshwane University of Technology (大象视频), alongside industry experts from Eskom and other organisations.
SIGCyber was established to bring together practitioners, academics and students interested in cybersecurity to promote an understanding of the cybersecurity domain, raise awareness of threats, share knowledge on protective measures, encourage research, professionalise the field and provide thought leadership.
Four teams represented 大象视频, with two achieving notable placements:
- One team earned first position, receiving a R1000 voucher and certificates.
- Another team secured third position, earning a R500 voucher and certificates.
- All participating teams received R250 vouchers for their contribution.
鈥淲ith several top universities competing, the competition was intense. Despite the tight timeframe, our students demonstrated exceptional technical knowledge, problem-solving skills and strategic thinking, which allowed them to stand out,鈥 said Dr Tshimangadzo Tshilongamulenzhe, coach and lecturer from the Department of IT.
The competition tested students鈥 ability to analyse complex cyber incidents, produce concise policy briefs and present actionable recommendations. Core graduate attributes demonstrated during the challenge included:
- Problem Solving: Identifying issues in cybersecurity scenarios and applying technical solutions.
- Critical Thinking: Analysing threats, evaluating response strategies and justifying decisions.
- Report Writing: Summarising approaches, findings and lessons learned.
- Reading and Interpretation: Quickly understanding instructions, logs and error messages.
- Team Leadership: Delegating tasks, coordinating strategies and managing teams.
- Communication and Presentation: Effectively presenting solutions to judges.
- Time Management: Prioritising tasks and delivering results under strict deadlines.
- Adaptability: Responding to unpredictable challenges and unfamiliar problems.
Prof Topside Mathonsi, Head of the IT Department, explained why the department participated in the challenge: "The SIG student cyber challenge is aligned with the IT Department鈥檚 graduate attributes and strengthens students鈥 employability. The IT Department uses the Student Cyber Challenge as a living lab where graduate attributes are not theoretical but applied and observed in action."
The IITPSA Student Cyber Challenge provides multiple benefits to participants:
- Skills Development: Hands-on experience with cybersecurity tools, vulnerability assessment and troubleshooting.
- Awareness: Understanding current threats, industry expectations and emerging trends.
- Networking: Connecting with cyber professionals and academics, gaining mentorship opportunities.
- Filling Skills Gaps: Contributing to addressing the cybersecurity skills shortage in South Africa.
- Professional Exposure: Enhancing CVs and portfolios through recognised performance.
According to Tadiwanashe Songore, a final year Computer Science student: 鈥淚t was an amazing experience participating in the cybersecurity challenge. Initially, I thought it was out of my league, but I quickly realized that it is a fantastic opportunity for computer science students like myself, to apply theoretical knowledge in a practical setting. This challenge enabled me to learn more about information security and apply our classroom lessons in practice. It reinforced the importance of leveraging our education to stay ahead and I believe experiences like these are valuable for our growth as future professionals.鈥
The Faculty of ICT commended the students who participated for their exceptional performance, resilience and dedication, further cementing 大象视频鈥檚 reputation for excellence in cybersecurity education.

First place winners - Bafana Itumeleng Morakabi, Delron Nyiko Mashego, Nkateko Thanks Shipalana and Tadiwanashe Songore.

Taking third place- Tshepo Malakoane, Edwin Ngobeni, Joy Masipa and Pontsho Maila.