CIO & CISO Think Tank

Kgomotso is the Senior Manager Cybersecurity Operations at Sasol, a global energy and chemicals company operating in 23 countries, servicing customers across 120 countries. He leads a team responsible for detecting and responding to cybersecurity incidents, threats and events, and identity and access management. Kgomotso has significant ethical hacking experience. In his previous role, he has led a number of purple team exercises. Drawing from both his experience as a network defender and ability to "think like an attacker"; he has contributed to creation of very effective Use Cases for the Security Information and Event Management (SIEM) platform. His former previous focus included creating SIEM Detection Alerts. His varied interests include #ThreatHunting #DFIR #Blogging #Drones

Kgabo is the current Vice President of ISACA SA Chapter. She is a business executive, entrepreneur, humanitarian, mentor, coach, mother, with over 28 years of experience in the ICT industry. Actively involved as a CEO and Founder of V-SIC (Pty) Ltd, a 100% black, female-owned and managed firm of professionals that was formed in 2015 to offer bespoke ICT Audit Services, Cybersecurity Assessments, Technology & Business Consulting Services, as well as Human Resources in these related areas. She holds a M.Sc. in Computer Science, a Management Advanced Programme Diploma, holds CRISC, CISA and CDSE and ISPA (SA). In her 28 years in the ICT field, she has worked and/or serviced clients across the globe, including, Africa, the UK, North America, Germany, France, Hong Kong, China and Bermuda in varied sectors and industries. She is the currently dedicating most of her efforts in assisting businesses develop and implement digital transformation strategies, helping them realise their investments in ICT, navigate digital transformation and growing business performance. She is Founder of 19 Eleven, an NGO aimed at eradicating pit toilets in disadvantaged communities. She holds a Certification in Wine from the Cape Wine Academy and holds wine tasting and lifestyle event. She enjoys playing golf, learning and travelling.

Kutlwano Ngwarati is a visionary force propelling Africa to the forefront of the global data and analytics landscape. As the Founder of High Risers, an Africa-focused non-profit organization, she is on a mission to close the digital gender gap and empower one million women and girls by 2035 with the skills and confidence to succeed in data and AI careers. She is also the Head of Data and Analytics at Lombard Insurance Company Ltd, where she leads a team of data professionals to deliver innovative solutions and insights that drive business value and customer satisfaction. With her technical expertise, entrepreneurial mindset, and unwavering commitment, she has earned multiple accolades and recognition from prestigious organizations and publications, such as Corinium Global Intelligence, the United Nations Economic Commission for Africa, Total Energies, and The Innovation Hub.

I am responsible, honest, efficient and have a long history of getting things done whilst working under pressure and to deadlines. Possessing superb analytical skills, I am able to interrogate data to find out if there is any fraud, violation of laws or irregular management policies. Furthermore, I have comprehensive understanding of complex accounting methods, and experience within an Internal or External audit environment. Being analytical and methodical when approaching problems, I am able to gather and analyse information that is diverse and unfamiliar. On a more personal level, I am a good team player who can easily interact with peers and counterparts whilst working independently or as part of a team. I also have well-developed verbal as well as written communication skills, and am able to present information, and compile reports of audit results to senior managers.

Ms. Sithembile Songo holds a Master of Science in Information Security from the University of London and cyber security professional certifications. She is a Chief Information Security Officer, CISO, heading the information security pillar at the state-owned energy entity, which produce 95% of South Africa’s electricity. Her strategic role primarily focuses on protecting the national critical infrastructure from potential cyber-attacks and ensure that cyber security issues do not contribute to the organizational challenges. She has been specializing in information security for more than 20 years now and her experience is augmented by several leadership roles in both public and private sectors, including Financial, Telecom, Public Sector, Consulting firm, Energy sector and other State-owned entities. She Sithembile is also a mentor, international speaker and serving as an advisory board member. She is passionate about cybersecurity and enabling organisations to achieve their business objectives in a secure manner to fulfil their mandates. Besides her extensive experience in other information/cyber security domains, she has also played a pivotal role in defining and implementing robust information security strategies to protect organisations against the increased attack surface, in support of the swift digital migration initiatives and hybrid mode of working, including artificial intelligence and machine learning.

A Technology Executive with over 10 years of experience in delivering enterprise-wide projects within scope, on time, and on budget while cutting costs, spearheading ROI-focused projects, and bridging the gap between business and technology to realize essential integration. Francis has done all these and much more under a variety of professional hats- working as Head of IT, System Support Engineer, and IT Administrator. He has led the development, deployment, and integration of IT systems and solutions, owning the full system and project management cycle- from requirements gathering to concept development, implementation, and deployment to propel changes, system, and operational efficiency. Additionally, he has been instrumental in network security, IT procurement, WIFI implementation and administration, P&L oversight and resource planning, as well as technical end-user support to elevate and enhance user experience. With strengths in big picture thinking, analysis, and interpersonal communication, his expertise includes: IT Project Management; Process Improvements; Business-Centric IT Leadership; IT Security & Compliance; Infrastructure Management; Business Continuity; Network Re-engineering!

Manthi is a seasoned IT professional with over 18 years experience in successfully leading and implementing global and local IT /Digital Transformation programmes. She is currently an IT Business Partner for Middle East, Turkey and Africa and her primary responsibility in this role is to develop strategic partnerships with business stakeholders, delivery partners, and colleagues in order to deliver IT solutions that support business strategy. Manthi grew up in Soweto and comes from a large family of academics. A natural teacher Manthi's journey into the IT realm was serendipitous. Beginning her career as a network specialist, she swiftly transitioned into roles as a SAP consultant and functional lead in HR. It was during this time that Manthi discovered her innate talent and passion for people development and diversity, particularly through her leadership in IT and support of HR functions. Her passions include travelling, especially within and outside Africa. She is an avid reader and aspiring art collector and she is actively involved in teaching and mentorship activities outside work. In addition to her role in IT, Manthi serves as an Employment Equity Manager, an executive board member, a Trustee in an NGO and a member of the Advisory Board of the Department of Information and Knowledge Management at a University in Johannesburg.

Highly motivated and result-driven technical Cyber Security Manager specializing in Cyber Defence, IAM and Security Architecture. Gained a lot of experience as a consultant servicing clients( different industries) in Africa, Europe, Asia and North America. With hands on experience in CyberArk and Sailpoint projects, she believes having a skill in both IGA and PAM is important when it comes to helping organizations eliminate any coverage gaps vulnerable to hackers and fully protect themselves from internal and external breaches whilst leveraging security monitoring and triage capabilities.

Thulani Hlophe is a Lead Pastor of a church in Brakpan and is also an experienced professional with a strong background in information security and risk management, with over 14 years. With a degree in Computer Science, Chemistry & Applied Chemistry, Thulani brings a unique combination of technical expertise and analytical skills to the table. Throughout his career, Thulani has held key positions in renowned organizations such as PricewaterhouseCoopers (PwC), FNB, and Nedbank. At PwC, he served as a Senior Consultant, specializing in Information Security. Thulani's responsibilities included conducting security reviews, performing penetration testing, and providing recommendations to enhance security measures. He also gained international experience in the telecommunication industry, working on assignments in various African countries. Thulani's expertise further expanded during his time at Nedbank, where he held roles such as Senior Internal Auditor and Manager of Information Security and Senior Manager: Cyber Risk. In these positions, he was responsible for planning and performing IT security audit reviews, managing cyber security arrangements, and providing expert advice on cyber security matters to different clusters within the organization. With a track record of successfully implementing cyber security frameworks, managing cyber risk metrics, and enhancing information security operating model, Thulani is a valuable asset in the field of cyber security. Thulani is currently the Head of IT Security at Old Mutual Insure, one of the leading insurance companies in South Africa. In this role, he leads a team of IT security professionals who are responsible for ensuring the security, compliance, and resilience of the company's IT systems, data, and assets. He also oversees the development and implementation of the IT security strategy, policies, standards, and frameworks, aligned with the company's business objectives and risk appetite.

Ayanda Mdhluli is a Cyber/Information Security professional with over 10 years of experience. He specializes in Security and Risk Management, Asset Security, Security Architecture and Engineering, Communications and Network Security, Identity and Access Management, Cyber Risk Management and Security Testing, Security Operations(End Point And SOC), and Software Development Security. I presently hold the position of Senior Cyber Security Manager at Old Mutual Insure, overseeing Security Operations and Secure by Design. An MBA Candidate at Henley Business School enrolled in the Flexible Executive MBA Programme.

Steve Jump has an unashamedly technical background being both an engineering graduate and a chartered engineer, which he uses to translate complex technology into serious business. He presently consults and coaches in the area of Information Security Governance and Cyber Security Risk, where he expresses support, sympathy, incredulity and fortunately, frequent flashes of inspiration at the state of Cyber risk awareness and management in business today. With over twenty five years of practical and strategic information and cyber security experience Steve now provides applied cyber security risk governance coaching, mentoring, and guidance at an Exco, Board and ISO level to ensure that non-technical and technical directors alike are able to understand that information security risk is about business success more than technology, and how this understanding adds significantly more value to a business as an enabler than a fear based approach. Steve provides both coaching and mentorship at all levels, to CISOs, CEOs, and from CIO’s forming a security team to postgraduate specialists joining that team. He frequently talks around security governance and presents both simple and complex papers and keynotes around cyber security and risk management topics internationally.

Nadia has been involved in the IT industry for over 19 years and have been in Information Security for the past 9 years. Being an influencer has enabled me to better understand business and what is needed from and ICT perspective to enhance business and their daily functions. Excellent customer service is her forte, 'I believe that if you may not know everything but if you are understanding to one's needs then solutions can always be found'.

Dr Jabu Mtsweni is the Head of Information and Cyber Security Centre and Chief Researcher at the Council for Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR), NRF-Rated Researcher (C2), and a Certified Cybersecurity Manager, Research Fellow at the Stellenbosch University, and Technical Leader of the National Policy Data Observatory. Dr Jabu Mtsweni is an accomplished researcher and technology expert in the field of Computer Science, particularly in the areas of Cyber and Information Security. He holds a PhD degree in Computer Science from the University of South Africa. He has published over 90 peer-reviewed conference and journal articles over the years in different forums focusing on ICT4development, socially relevant computing, information and cybersecurity, and data science. He regularly speaks as an invited speaker at local and international cybersecurity conferences. He has worked with both the public and private sector in large and complex ICT projects.

As a Regional Account Manager at KnowBe4, I help organizations across Africa to construct their human firewall and users to make smarter security decisions. With over 10 years of experience in the telecommunications and cybersecurity industry, I have developed a strong expertise in customer onboarding, sales leadership, marketing communications, and account management. I have a Master of Commerce in Marketing Management from Wits Business School and a Bachelor of Commerce in Marketing and Economics from Great Zimbabwe University. I am passionate about delivering world-class secure networks and solutions to my clients, and driving revenue growth and customer retention for KnowBe4. My goal is to empower organizations and individuals to protect themselves from cyber threats and foster a culture of security awareness.

Igor joined Kaspersky in 2001 as a virus analyst. In 2009, he was promoted to the role of infrastructure group manager, where he spearheaded the development of infrastructure dedicated to the processing and detection of spam messages within the Anti-Spam division. In 2011, Igor transitioned to the Global Research & Analysis Team at Kaspersky, assuming the position of a malware expert. His expertise and contributions led to his appointment as the principal security researcher in 2013, and subsequently as the chief security researcher. He held this title until his promotion to the position of Head of GReAT Russia and CIS Unit in 2022. Building on his past achievements, Igor was further promoted in 2023 to the position of Director, where he now leads the renowned Global Research & Analysis Team (GReAT). His research focuses on investigating malware campaigns and employing reverse engineering techniques to understand advanced malware. His profound knowledge and skills have proven instrumental in understanding and countering complex cyber threats.