By Lebone Rodah Mosima
The University of the Witwatersrand (Wits) plans to introduce two new postgraduate qualifications in 2026 in order to bolster Africa’s cybersecurity capability.
“The two new fully accredited programmes – the Bachelor of Science Honours (BScHons) and the Master of Science (MSc) in Cybersecurity – are available on the Wits online application system, with applications for the 2026 intake open until 31 December 2025,” Wits said.
“Both programmes are designed to prepare graduates for advanced careers in cybersecurity, data protection and trustworthy artificial intelligence (AI), combining rigorous academic foundations with real-world applications.”
Professor Richard Klein, Deputy Head of Wits School of Computer Science and Applied Mathematics, said that the postgraduate qualifications in cybersecurity “will focus on advanced cybersecurity principles and technologies; artificial intelligence and machine learning for digital security; ethical and legal aspects of information security; and applied research addressing local and global cybersecurity challenges”.
Wits said that the degrees will strengthen the university’s position as a “continental leader in cybersecurity education”, and will bring together academic training, cutting-edge research, and industry engagements.
The degrees will be delivered in collaboration with two globally recognised organisations: the CISPA Helmholtz Center for Information Security in Germany, and South Africa’s own MWR CyberSec.
Tinus Green, Head of Consultancy at MWR CyberSec, welcomed the initiative.
“Developing local expertise is vital to strengthening South Africa’s resilience against evolving cyber threats, and we believe this initiative will play a key role in building the next generation of cybersecurity experts,” Green said.
Dr Lea Schönherr, Tenure-track faculty, CISPA Helmholtz Center for Information Security, said: “Strengthening global cybersecurity requires strong international collaborations, and we see immense potential in supporting the development of highly skilled cybersecurity professionals in South Africa. These programmes will help cultivate new research talent, expand global knowledge exchange, and contribute to a more resilient digital future.”
Wits Vice-Chancellor and Principal, Professor Zeblon Vilakazi, said that “cybersecurity is one of the defining challenges of our time”.
“These new programmes position Wits at the forefront of digital innovation and resilience in Africa. Through our collaboration with CISPA and MWR CyberSec, we are creating pathways for students to engage with global expertise while addressing the urgent cybersecurity needs of our society,” he said.
Dean of the Faculty of Science, Professor Nithaya Chetty, added that the qualifications will directly support South Africa’s capacity, such as data and information systems, to protect critical infrastructure and fuel the country’s digital economy.
The partnership between Wits and CISPA is formalised through a Memorandum of Understanding, to initiate joint research, academic exchanges, and co-supervision of postgraduate students in cybersecurity, AI, machine learning, and cryptography.
According to Faith Blakemore, Head of International Affairs and Science Relations at CISPA, the collaborations will open new international research pathways and strengthen scientific engagement across Africa and other continents.
“These Memoranda of Understanding will now serve as the foundation for further exciting and equally beneficial activities, including research opportunities for members of all our institutions,” Blakemore said.
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