Cybersecurity Jobs Are Booming: Why Aren’t Graduates Hireable?
Cybersecurity Jobs Are Booming: Why Aren’t Graduates Hireable?
https://cioafrica.co/cybersecurity-jobs-are-booming-why-arent-graduates-hireable/
Publish Date: 2026-05-28 03:27:00
Source Domain: cioafrica.co
Hacker using VPN and darknet as anonymity tools to mask his online identity while committing data breaches. Cybercriminal in underground bunker masking his location hacking into servers
South Africa’s cybersecurity sector is facing a growing paradox: demand for cybersecurity professionals continues to rise, yet many graduates are struggling to secure employment. According to experts from the Institute of Information Technology Professionals South Africa Special Interest Group for Cybersecurity (IITPSA SIGCyber), the issue is not a shortage of jobs, but a widening disconnection between academic preparation and operational readiness.
Industry leaders, educators, and cybersecurity executives agree that organisations are urgently seeking cybersecurity talent, but many entry-level candidates are not yet equipped for the realities of live security environments. Across the sector, employers are prioritising practical capability, adaptability, and real-world experience over theoretical knowledge alone.
“The cybersecurity industry does not lack opportunity,” says Bryan Baxter, Securelytics HOD at BC Technologies. “What organisations need are professionals who can contribute quickly in high-pressure operational environments. Technical capability matters, but passion, teamwork, and a willingness to learn are equally important.”
Baxter explains that employers are increasingly investing in internal development, mentoring, and coaching to build long-term capability. However, identifying candidates with both the right mindset and practical aptitude remains a challenge.
Doctor Mafuwafuwane, Executive Head of Cybersecurity at Nexio, says the reality within Managed Security Service Providers (MSSPs) is more complex than headlines suggesting “millions of jobs” available globally.
“Specialised cybersecurity roles such as threat hunting, digital forensics, and incident response require more than academic qualifications or…
