Joint Media advisory
In today’s connected world, data has become one of our most valuable assets. Every click, share and download shapes our digital footprint and with that comes the responsibility to protect it. As cyber threats become increasingly organised and sophisticated, individuals must remain vigilant in managing their personal information online.
To support this effort, the Limpopo ICT Forum, Department of Communications and Digital Technologies (DCDT) and the Council for Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR) will jointly host a three-day Cybersecurity Awareness Webinar Series under the theme “Your Data, Your Power: Hlayiseka!”. The phrase Hlayiseka!, meaning “Be Safe”, is a call to action for all citizens to take ownership of their digital safety. The theme serves as a reminder that personal data is power and protecting it is not only a technical responsibility but also a personal and social one.
This initiative forms part of Cybersecurity Awareness Month (October), which is celebrated globally to promote safer online practices and to build a culture of digital responsibility. The webinars will bring together cybersecurity experts, educators, parents and members of the public to learn and engage on practical ways to stay safe online and safeguard their digital identities.
Objectives
The Cybersecurity Awareness Webinar Series aims to:
Promote awareness of personal data protection and responsible digital behaviour
Educate citizens on how to identify and respond to common online threats
Strengthen child online protection and digital rights awareness
Foster collaboration between government, industry, academia and communities to enhance national cyber resilience
Members of the media are invited as follows:
Day two: 23 October 2025 | 18:00 – 19:00
MC: Dr Namosha Veerasamy, Principal Cybersecurity Researcher, CSIR
Keynote address: Dr Jabu Mtsweni, Research Centre Manager, Information and Cybersecurity Centre, CSIR
Topic: Ask a cybersecurity expert a question: Social media digital hygiene and safe online behaviour
Panel members:
Precious Maduma: Cybersecurity Specialist, CSIR
Nokuthaba Siphambili: Cybersecurity Researcher, CSIR
Thuli Mkhwanazi: Senior Cybersecurity Researcher, CSIR
Crestinah Mudau: Senior Cybersecurity Specialist, CSIR
Noma-Efese Mnqeta: Deputy Director, Cybersecurity Operations, DCDT
Joining link:
MS Teams: https://events.teams.microsoft.com/event/2a478119-90ee-4208-aa60-d7f990f06f65@2fd3c5d5-ddb2-4ed3-9803-f89675928df4
YouTube Stream: https://youtube.com/live/Fazm9zOfXPg?feature=share (This video is currently private and unavailable)
Day three: 30 October 2025 | 18:00 – 19:00
MC: Siphokazi Novukuza, Director, Cybersecurity Operations, DCDT
Topic: Romance scams and online relationship fraud (phishing and catfishing)
Presenters:
Thuli Mkhwanazi: Senior Cybersecurity Researcher, CSIR
Danielle Badenhorst: Cybersecurity Specialist, CSIR
Closing remarks: Matsebe Phasha, Committee Member, Secretary, Limpopo ICT Forum
Joining link:
MS Teams: https://events.teams.microsoft.com/event/e2fd0f0f-5288-468d-be06-13988392cd75@2fd3c5d5-ddb2-4ed3-9803-f89675928df4
YouTube stream: https://youtube.com/live/Fazm9zOfXPg?feature=share (This video is currently private and unavailable)
Media enquiries:
Phetolo Phatsibi
CSIR Media Practitioner
Email: @email
Mobile: 081 396 8871
About the CSIR:
The CSIR, an entity of the Ministry of Science, Technology, and Innovation, is one of Africa’s leading organisations in scientific and technology research, development and implementation. Constituted by an Act of Parliament in 1945 as a science council, the CSIR undertakes directed and multidisciplinary research and technological innovation, as well as industrial and scientific development, to improve the quality of life of all South Africans.
This year, the CSIR celebrates 80 years of touching lives through innovation. For more information, visit www.csir.co.za
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