NWU Student IT Teams Set to Shine at Security Summit

Two student IT teams from the North-West University’s (NWU’s) Vanderbijlpark Campus have been chosen to participate in the upcoming ITWeb Security Summit at the Sandton Convention Centre from 4 to 5 June.

This presents an incredible opportunity for the students to demonstrate their skills and connect with industry professionals. They will be taking part in the Security Summit Hackathon themed “Generation Hacker: GenZ vs GenAI”, serves as a vital catalyst for skills enhancement, empowering ICT students, techpreneurs, and cyber security enthusiasts to stay ahead of the curve.

The first team, dubbed “Student Black-Boxers,” will be participating in the Blue Teaming Capture the Flag challenge. The team members include Asemahle Maqizana, Sello Calvin Machitje and Tumelo Junior Phale.

The second team, named “Digital Entity,” will be taking part in the Secure Innovation challenge. The team comprises Orinea Mulaudzi, Sinovuyo Sondara, Phoku Gratitude Malehwiti, Nhlanhla Nwariwe, Nkosikhona Makubo and Kamogelo Seale.

Dean Dube, the spokesperson for the Geekulcha Student Society on the campus, says this event serves as a platform for students to not only compete, but also to learn from and engage with cybersecurity professionals.

“The event aims to provide a valuable opportunity for students to showcase their skills and knowledge while also gaining insights and guidance from industry experts. This kind of engagement can be incredibly beneficial for students looking to pursue a career in cybersecurity, as it allows them to network, learn and grow within the field,” adds Dean.

Prof Linda du Plessis, deputy vice-chancellor for planning and Vanderbijlpark Campus operations says the teams’ selection is a testament to the quality of education and the talent nurtured at the NWU.

“We wish both teams the best of luck and are confident that they will represent the university well at the Security Summit.

“The dedication and hard work of the teams have been truly inspiring, and we believe that they will make a significant impact at the event. Their commitment to excellence is a testament to the values of our university, and we are proud to have them as ambassadors. We look forward to seeing their success and the positive influence they will have.”