The Department of Women, Youth and Persons with Disabilities (DWYPD), in partnership with CyberM8, hosted a NextGen Bootcamp with a focus on Cybersecurity on 1–2 October 2025 at the Protea Hotel Hatfield in Pretoria.
This two-day capacity-building workshop was designed to empower youth workers with essential digital and cybersecurity skills so that they can better protect themselves and the communities they serve.
Day 1: Foundations of Digital Safety
Day 1 introduced participants to the digital landscape and the realities of the Fourth Industrial Revolution (4IR). Sessions explored cybersecurity fundamentals, cyber hygiene practices, digital identity and online privacy, phishing and social engineering, as well as the importance of promoting digital citizenship and addressing cyberbullying.
The day closed with interactive activities that encouraged participants to apply what they had learned to real-world scenarios.
Day 2: From Awareness to Action
Day 2 shifted focus to resilience and practical application. Youth workers engaged in incident response role-plays, discussed strategies for supporting vulnerable communities, explored mentorship and networking opportunities, and were introduced to pathways in cybersecurity careers.
The programme concluded with reflections, a certificate ceremony, and renewed energy to take the knowledge gained back into their communities.
There is an ongoing narrative that cybersecurity is only for experts. This workshop proved otherwise. Cybersecurity is about people, awareness, and equipping everyday leaders with the knowledge to protect themselves and their communities.
By embedding this programme into our NextGen Bootcamp, CyberM8 ensures that youth workers are not only digitally literate but also able to act as frontline digital defenders in their communities.
This is just the beginning. Through the NextGen Bootcamp, CyberM8 will continue offering training, mentorship, and collaboration opportunities to ensure that no one is left behind in the fight for safer digital spaces.
A special thank you to DWYPD for their partnership in executing this impactful initiative and to NEMISA for supporting this event.
