South Africa is changing its outlook on cybersecurity. The future of digital security in South Africa will be shaped not only by technology but also by language, locality, and policy. This approach recognizes that effective cybersecurity in South Africa must be tailored to the country’s unique cultural and regulatory landscape, rather than simply importing solutions from abroad. 

Deputy Minister Mondli Gungubele, in his keynote address, noted the importance of viewing cybersecurity through the lens of local realities. He stressed that South Africa’s diverse linguistic, social, and policy contexts play a critical role in shaping how cyber threats are understood and addressed. “The challenges we face are global in reach, yet profoundly local in impact,” Gungubele noted, highlighting how transnational cybercrime exploits gaps in digital literacy, regulatory frameworks, and infrastructure access. 

Recent data from Cyble illustrates the urgency of this issue. Over the past six months, ransomware activity in South Africa has been concentrated among several prominent groups. NightSpire and INC Ransom emerged as the most active actors; each was linked to two documented incidents.  

Other groups, including Everest, BEAST, and CLOP, contributed to individual attacks, revealing a threat landscape marked by a mixture of new and established cybercriminal operations. These attacks targeted sectors ranging from government and law enforcement to education, healthcare, construction, and IT services, demonstrating that no sector is immune. 

Integrating Culture, Policy, and Technology 

The new South African cybersecurity strategy recognizes that traditional approaches, which often rely solely on technical defenses, are insufficient. Digital transformation is advancing across South Africa, with initiatives spanning e-government services, online education, fintech, and digital agriculture. While these developments offer opportunities for economic growth and inclusion, they also expand the attack surface, making cybersecurity a foundational concern rather than an optional add-on. 

A key feature of the strategy is its emphasis on cultural and contextual awareness. South Africa’s diversity means that one-size-fits-all cybersecurity campaigns are often ineffective. Language, communication norms, and local social structures all influence how individuals perceive risk and respond to threats. By incorporating cultural intelligence into cybersecurity policy, the country aims to foster a security posture that is both technically robust and socially adaptive. 

Aligning with Global Standards 

The strategy also stressed the need for stronger alignment with international standards. South Africa’s participation in the UN Cybercrime Treaty highlights a harmonized global response to transnational threats. The treaty establishes a shared legal framework for recognizing cybercrimes, facilitating international cooperation, and building capacity for nations that face resource constraints. For South Africa and the broader Global South, this represents an important step toward integrating African cybersecurity initiatives with global best practices. 

Digital literacy forms another pillar of the strategy. Evidence shows that human error accounts for a substantial proportion of security incidents. By equipping citizens and employees with the knowledge to identify phishing, malware, and disinformation, South Africa aims to create a human layer of defense that complements technological measures. Programs emphasizing digital ethics, risk awareness, and responsible online behavior will be essential in building a resilient cybersecurity culture. 

Working Together for a Stronger Cyber Defense 

Moreover, the strategy encourages a “triple helix” collaboration among government, industry, and academia. By pooling resources and perspectives, South Africa can accelerate research, threat intelligence sharing, and policy development. 

This new approach to cybersecurity in South Africa signals a departure from conventional, purely technical strategies. By integrating local realities, cultural awareness, and global cooperation, the strategy has the potential to redefine the country’s digital defense posture.  

Platforms like Cyble provide the right threat intelligence for strategies like these, helping organizations monitor new threats, assess vulnerabilities, and take proactive action. Cyble Vision delivers predictive, AI-native threat intelligence, enabling organizations to detect risks early, automate responses, and protect critical assets. 

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References: 

• https://www.gov.za/news/speeches/deputy-minister-mondli-gungubele-threat-cybersecurity-conference-2025-04-nov-2025