Siphokazi Novukuza
Ms Siphokazi Xolisile Novukuza is the Director of Cybersecurity Operations at the Department of Communications and Digital Technologies’ Cybersecurity Hub, South Africa’s national Computer Security Incident Response Team (CSIRT) tasked with coordinating responses to cyber threats and promoting secure online environments.
With over 17 years’ experience in the ICT industry, Siphokazi has deep expertise in cybersecurity and digital forensics and leads national strategic efforts to strengthen cyber defences, threat response frameworks and stakeholder engagement across government, private sector and civil society.
She is the Chairperson of the SADC Regional CIRT Task Force. She also serves at the Borad of Advisors for Township Tech Talks.
Siphokazi also represents South Africa on cybersecurity issues at the International Telecommunication Union (ITU) and is a member of the OpenWallets Forum Government Consultative Committee (GCC), focusing on international digital public infrastructure matters. Her work includes advancing cybersecurity awareness initiatives in schools in partnership with the Department of Basic Education, equipping learners and educators with essential digital safety skills. Lead on the Child Online Protection at ITU-SG17.
She holds a Master’s in Information Technology (Software Development) and is currently a Master’s Candidate in Development Policy and Practice at the University of Cape Town. She was names as a Top 100 leader in Digital Transformation and Top 100 leader in Cybersecurity 2026 respectively. Wired4Women CISO of the year finalist 2026.
Ms Siphokazi Xolisile Novukuza is the Director of Cybersecurity Operations at the Department of Communications and Digital Technologies’ Cybersecurity Hub, South Africa’s national Computer Security Incident Response Team (CSIRT) tasked with coordinating responses to cyber threats and promoting secure online environments.
With over 17 years’ experience in the ICT industry, Siphokazi has deep expertise in cybersecurity and digital forensics and leads national strategic efforts to strengthen cyber defences, threat response frameworks and stakeholder engagement across government, private sector and civil society.
She is the Chairperson of the SADC Regional CIRT Task Force. She also serves at the Borad of Advisors for Township Tech Talks.
Siphokazi also represents South Africa on cybersecurity issues at the International Telecommunication Union (ITU) and is a member of the OpenWallets Forum Government Consultative Committee (GCC), focusing on international digital public infrastructure matters. Her work includes advancing cybersecurity awareness initiatives in schools in partnership with the Department of Basic Education, equipping learners and educators with essential digital safety skills. Lead on the Child Online Protection at ITU-SG17.
She holds a Master’s in Information Technology (Software Development) and is currently a Master’s Candidate in Development Policy and Practice at the University of Cape Town. She was names as a Top 100 leader in Digital Transformation and Top 100 leader in Cybersecurity 2026 respectively. Wired4Women CISO of the year finalist 2026.