CHIEF DIRECTOR: CYBERSECURITY AND INTERNET GOVERNANCE- DPSA Circular 20 of 2026

| Job Title | CHIEF DIRECTOR: CYBERSECURITY AND INTERNET GOVERNANCE |
| Company | DPSA |
| Job Reference | CDCSIG |
| Category | Government Jobs |
| Location | Pretoria, ZA |
| Employment Type | Full Time |
| Date Posted | 2026-06-12T17:36 |
| Closing Date | 2026-06-29T19:34 |
| Status | Open for Applications |
| Salary | ZAR 865147 - 1554696 per year |
CHIEF DIRECTOR: CYBERSECURITY AND INTERNET GOVERNANCE - Job Description
Introduction
To apply, submit a completed Z83 form and detailed Curriculum Vitae (PDF document to a maximum of 10 megabytes) via e-mail or hand delivery. The Department will not be held responsible for server delays. Late applications due to technical issues will not be considered. Shortlisted candidates must provide certified copies of required documents (Identity Document, qualifications, etc) where necessary and service certificates to support senior management experience to Human Resources before the interviews, including South African Qualifications Authority (SAQA) evaluation reports for foreign qualifications. Failure to comply will result in disqualification. To be appointed at Senior Management Service (SMS) level, you must complete the SMS Pre entry programme offered by the National School of Government (NSG). Find course details here: https://www.thensg.gov.za/training-course/sms-pre-entry programme/ appointment is subject to successful competition of the Nyukela Programme: Pre-entry Certificate to SMS and submission of proof. All shortlisted candidates, including SMS shall undertake two pre-entry assessments. One must be a practical exercise, and the other must be an Integrity (Ethical Conduct) Assessment. Selection panels shall score both technical exercises as an additional criterion in the interview process. NB: Please note that false or fraudulent qualifications submitted by applicants will be reported to the South African Police Services (SAPS), and a criminal case shall be opened. Applications: Please submit your application before the closing date as late applications will not be considered. Do not submit duplicate applications. If applying for multiple posts, submit separate applications for each post. Due to high volumes, the Department will not acknowledge receipt of applications. Communication will be limited to shortlisted candidates only. If you have not heard from us within 3 months, please consider your application to be unsuccessful. Should, during any stage of the recruitment process, a moratorium be placed on the filling of posts or the Department is affected by any process such as, but not limited to, restructuring or reorganisation of posts, the Department reserves the right to cancel the recruitment process and re advertise the post at any time in the future. Important: DOA is an equal opportunity employer committed to promoting representivity and affirmative action. We encourage applications from all qualified candidates. The Department reserves the right not to fill vacancies. By applying you consent to the collection and processing of your personal information for recruitment purposes. Shortlisted candidates will be required to be available for assessments and interviews at a date and time as determined by the Department. Shortlisted candidates will undergo personnel suitability checks, security vetting and reference checks (including social media profiles). Applications must declare any pending criminal, disciplinary or any other allegations or investigations. Successful candidates must pass security clearance, sign an employment contract, sign an annual performance agreement and disclose financial interests. All applicants are required to declare any conflict or perceived conflict of interest, to disclose memberships of Boards and directorships that they may be associated with. Failure to disclose relevant information may result in disqualification or termination.
Applications received after the closing date will not be considered. Only shortlisted candidates will be required to submit certified copies of qualifications obtained and other related documents on or before the day of the interview, following communication from Human Resources and will be subjected to verification by the South African Qualifications Authority. Candidates in possession of a foreign qualification must also provide an evaluation certificate issued by the South African Qualifications Authority (SAQA), at own expense. Failure to submit the requested documents will result in the application not being considered further. Due to the anticipated large volume of responses, correspondence will be limited to shortlisted candidates only. All shortlisted candidates shall undertake two pre-entry assessments. One will be a practical exercise to determine a candidate’s suitability based on the post’s technical and generic requirements and the other will be an integrity (ethical conduct) assessment. After the pre-entry assessments, an oral interview will be conducted. Suitable candidates will be subjected to personnel suitability checks (criminal record, citizenship, credit record checks, qualification verification and employment verification). By responding to the advertisement, applicants consent to the collection, processing and storing of their Personal Information in accordance with the Protection of Personal Information Act (POPIA) Act No. 4 of 2013. Candidates will therefore be required to give consent in terms of the POPI Act in order for the Department to conduct the verifications. Information will be used for the purpose of recruitment only and more specifically for the purpose of the position/vacancy you have applied for and will not be shared with third parties without prior consent, unless required by law. All applicants must declare any conflict or perceived conflict of interest and must disclose membership on Boards and directorships associated with. If you have not been contacted within six (6) months of the closing date, please accept that your application was unsuccessful. The CVs submitted will be destroyed as legislated in the National Archives Act. In the event that your application is unsuccessful, the Department will retain your personal information only for audit purposes as required by policies. All the information requested now or during the process is required for recruitment purposes. Failure to provide the requested information will result in your application not being considered further. The Department reserves the right not to make an appointment to the advertised post(s). The successful candidate must disclose particulars of all registrable financial interests and sign an employment contract within one month from the date of assumption of duty. A Performance Agreement must be concluded and signed within three months from the date of assumption of duty. Note for applicants of SMS posts: Successful completion of the Nyukela Public Service SMS Pre-entry Programme as endorsed by the National School of Government, available as an online course on https://thensg.gov.za/training-course/sms-pre-entry programme/, prior to the finalization of the appointment, is a requirement for all SMS positions. Following the interview and technical exercise, the selection panel will recommend candidates to attend a generic managerial competency assessment, using the mandated DPSA SMS competency assessment tools.
About the Company
The Department is an equal opportunity organisation and intends to promote equity through the filling of these posts. Candidates whose appointment/promotion/transfer will promote the achievement of employment equity within the Department will receive preference, in particular, the persons with disabilities and youth.
Responsibilities
The successful candidate will be overseeing the creation and enforcement of
internet governance policies, ensuring they support the secure, resilient, and
effective management of South Africa’s internet infrastructure. Oversee the
development and implementation of a comprehensive national cybersecurity
strategy that addresses emerging threats and aligns with global standards.
Ensuring the protection and security of national network infrastructures, with a
focus on safeguarding critical information systems and data. Oversee the
establishment and management of the national incident response framework,
coordinating efforts to detect, respond to, and mitigate the impact of cyber
threats and attacks. Establish and maintain strong relationships with public and
private sector partners, international organisations, and civil society to enhance
national and regional cybersecurity collaboration. Ensuring that cybersecurity
and internet governance initiatives are in compliance with both national and
international legal and regulatory requirements. Oversee initiatives to enhance
cybersecurity skills and awareness across government institutions, private
industry, and the broader public through training programs and awareness
campaigns. Regularly assessing and refining cybersecurity strategies, policies,
and incident response plans to ensure their effectiveness and continued
relevance to emerging threats. Oversee Performance of state owned entities.
Contributing to key result areas such as strategic functional leadership,
manage financial resources, driving change and operational excellence and
manage compliance.
Required Qualifications
An appropriate NQF level 7 qualification in Information Security / Computer
Science / Telecommunication or relevant equivalent qualification as recognised
by the South African Qualifications Authority. A minimum of five (5) years’
experience in a Cybersecurity Frameworks / ICT Risk Management /
Regulatory Compliance environment at a senior managerial level. Skills /
Competencies and Knowledge: At an advanced level in - Strategic Capability
and Leadership, Government Administrative Processes, People Management
and Empowerment, Programme and Project Management, Financial
Management, Change Management, Problem Solving and Analysis Customer
Focus, Stakeholder Engagement and Relationship Management. Technical
Competencies: Cybersecurity Strategy, ICT Policy Development, Internet
Governance Expertise, Network Security Architecture, ICT Incident Response
Management, ICT Crisis Management, ICT Risk Management, ICT Threat
Intelligence, Regulatory Compliance.