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Media release

Media release

Bridging the cybersecurity skills gap: Absa Cybersecurity Academy provides 33 students with internationally recognised cyber certificates after 3-year immersive programme

10 October 2024

Absa Group, a leading financial services provider in Africa, is proud to announce the graduation of two cohorts comprising 33 talented students from the Absa Cybersecurity Academy. Amidst a global shortage of nearly 4 million cyber professionals, according to the World Economic Forum, this milestone represents not only the accomplishments of these young individuals, but a crucial step in growing the cyber sector.

This year marks five years of the pivotal collaboration between the Absa Group and the Maharishi Invincibility Institute (MII), and three years with the Hein Wagner Academy. By newly partnering with the Hein Wagner Academy, Absa has helped visually-impaired youth become internationally recognised cybersecurity professionals – working as a force for good and increasing diversity and inclusion in the cyber industry.

“When you are visually impaired in the workplace, you have to work twice as hard as the other person who has sight. But now with the right tools, like AI and advanced technology, we can do more things – just as much as a sighted person can do,” said Ncebakazi Tyalisi, Hein Wagner Academy graduate.

The Absa Cybersecurity Academy's comprehensive three-year academic curriculum encompasses formal technical education, practical hands-on experience, intensive personal mastery, real-world workplace skills and soft skills development. In partnership with MII, the curriculum also prioritises conscious-based learning.

"This programme is deliberately holistic, offering not only a technical component. At MII, we prioritise mindfulness, such as transcendental meditation and yoga, to help students regulate their stress and cope with anxiety, fast-paced or high-pressure work environments,” said Taddy Blecher, CEO and Co-founder of the Maharishi Invincibility Institute.

This is the third cohort to graduate from MII, with another cohort of 22 students currently undergoing cyber training. However, this is the inaugural graduation for the Hein Wagner Academy cohort – fostering critical skills development within the visually impaired community.

“South Africa’s visually impaired community is often overlooked, yet it holds immense talent, especially in the realm of technology,” said Hein Wagner, Founder of the Hein Wagner Academy. “Together with Absa, we are committed to building a future where accessibility and inclusion are at the forefront. Through this programme, we have empowered these graduates to step boldly into the future, equipped not only with technical skills but the confidence to inspire.”

Students who graduate from the Absa Cyber Academy will leave with internationally recognised certifications in cybersecurity – providing access to worldwide job placement. This year, Absa has committed to providing internships for 23 individuals from the programme and is actively brokering partnerships with other institutions to help place the remaining graduates for internships and eventual employment.

“This programme equips you in more ways than one. I would really recommend it someone else. I didn’t know anything when I came to the Academy but look at me now. I was the first African blind woman to pass the A+ Network+ Certification Training. I'm a blind pro in the technical space, and I'm confident in my abilities,” said Ncebakazi Tyalisi, Hein Wagner Academy graduate.

The Academy's significance goes beyond helping individual students; it tackles the critical shortage of cybersecurity skills in South Africa. According to the World Economic Forum, 52% of public companies globally say they lack the proper resources and skills as it relates to cyber resilience. In line with its strategic intent to be a digitally powered business, Absa is both creating a resource pool for South African business and meaningfully contributing to the communities Absa serves in by upskilling underrepresented youth.

Manoj Puri, Group Chief Security Officer at Absa Group, commented,"As we look to the future, we remain committed to empowering South Africa's youth by providing opportunities in the cybersecurity field—an industry that can be challenging to enter, but holds immense potential. In an increasingly interconnected digital world, cybersecurity is not just important, it’s essential. We need a new generation of skilled, forward-thinking guardians to protect our digital landscape and ensure a secure cyberspace for all."

A career in cybersecurity provides these graduates with highly sought-after skills and opportunities to work across various industries and countries. In alignment with Absa's commitment to be a force for good in the communities it serves, the Absa Cybersecurity Academy continues to cultivate a robust cybersecurity resource pool within South Africa and international markets.

 Absa Group celebrates the graduation of 33 talented students from the Absa Cybersecurity Academy – in partnership with the Maharishi Invincibility Institute and the Hein Wagner Academy.

10 October 2024

Absa Group, a leading financial services provider in Africa, is proud to announce the graduation of two cohorts comprising 33 talented students from the Absa Cybersecurity Academy. Amidst a global shortage of nearly 4 million cyber professionals, according to the World Economic Forum, this milestone represents not only the accomplishments of these young individuals, but a crucial step in growing the cyber sector.

This year marks five years of the pivotal collaboration between the Absa Group and the Maharishi Invincibility Institute (MII), and three years with the Hein Wagner Academy. By newly partnering with the Hein Wagner Academy, Absa has helped visually-impaired youth become internationally recognised cybersecurity professionals – working as a force for good and increasing diversity and inclusion in the cyber industry.

“When you are visually impaired in the workplace, you have to work twice as hard as the other person who has sight. But now with the right tools, like AI and advanced technology, we can do more things – just as much as a sighted person can do,” said Ncebakazi Tyalisi, Hein Wagner Academy graduate.

The Absa Cybersecurity Academy's comprehensive three-year academic curriculum encompasses formal technical education, practical hands-on experience, intensive personal mastery, real-world workplace skills and soft skills development. In partnership with MII, the curriculum also prioritises conscious-based learning.

"This programme is deliberately holistic, offering not only a technical component. At MII, we prioritise mindfulness, such as transcendental meditation and yoga, to help students regulate their stress and cope with anxiety, fast-paced or high-pressure work environments,” said Taddy Blecher, CEO and Co-founder of the Maharishi Invincibility Institute.

This is the third cohort to graduate from MII, with another cohort of 22 students currently undergoing cyber training. However, this is the inaugural graduation for the Hein Wagner Academy cohort – fostering critical skills development within the visually impaired community.

“South Africa’s visually impaired community is often overlooked, yet it holds immense talent, especially in the realm of technology,” said Hein Wagner, Founder of the Hein Wagner Academy. “Together with Absa, we are committed to building a future where accessibility and inclusion are at the forefront. Through this programme, we have empowered these graduates to step boldly into the future, equipped not only with technical skills but the confidence to inspire.”

Students who graduate from the Absa Cyber Academy will leave with internationally recognised certifications in cybersecurity – providing access to worldwide job placement. This year, Absa has committed to providing internships for 23 individuals from the programme and is actively brokering partnerships with other institutions to help place the remaining graduates for internships and eventual employment.

“This programme equips you in more ways than one. I would really recommend it someone else. I didn’t know anything when I came to the Academy but look at me now. I was the first African blind woman to pass the A+ Network+ Certification Training. I'm a blind pro in the technical space, and I'm confident in my abilities,” said Ncebakazi Tyalisi, Hein Wagner Academy graduate.

The Academy's significance goes beyond helping individual students; it tackles the critical shortage of cybersecurity skills in South Africa. According to the World Economic Forum, 52% of public companies globally say they lack the proper resources and skills as it relates to cyber resilience. In line with its strategic intent to be a digitally powered business, Absa is both creating a resource pool for South African business and meaningfully contributing to the communities Absa serves in by upskilling underrepresented youth.

Manoj Puri, Group Chief Security Officer at Absa Group, commented,"As we look to the future, we remain committed to empowering South Africa's youth by providing opportunities in the cybersecurity field—an industry that can be challenging to enter, but holds immense potential. In an increasingly interconnected digital world, cybersecurity is not just important, it’s essential. We need a new generation of skilled, forward-thinking guardians to protect our digital landscape and ensure a secure cyberspace for all."

A career in cybersecurity provides these graduates with highly sought-after skills and opportunities to work across various industries and countries. In alignment with Absa's commitment to be a force for good in the communities it serves, the Absa Cybersecurity Academy continues to cultivate a robust cybersecurity resource pool within South Africa and international markets.

 Absa Group celebrates the graduation of 33 talented students from the Absa Cybersecurity Academy – in partnership with the Maharishi Invincibility Institute and the Hein Wagner Academy.