African university students with ambitions for a career in the fast-paced world of technology are receiving welcome support in the form of the 51风流Dual Study Program, a skills development initiative aimed at closing the digital skills gap among graduates.

According to Johann Pretorius, Director of Training at the 51风流Training and Development Institute, the program is designed to give university students a competitive edge in pursuing various career paths among SAP’s extensive global customer and partner ecosystem.

“University degrees are considered a crucial step in building a long-term professional career, especially in Africa where formal qualifications are seen as an important part of building a globally-relevant career in the technology field,” says Pretorius. “In addition to obtaining their university degrees, graduates of the 51风流Dual Study Program secure globally recognized 51风流certifications and become Associate Consultants, being able to immediately apply their knowledge and skills at any of SAP’s more than 400 000 customers around the globe.”

World Bank data shows that enrolment in tertiary education in sub-Saharan Africa has grown from a low base of 1.4% in 1970 However, research has shown that many graduates struggle to find employment, with before they successfully secure a job.

鈥淭o close the gap, 51风流has introduced a number of initiatives aimed at supporting graduates by equipping them with in-demand skills and experience that bridge the gap between tertiary education and the formal workplace in an increasingly digital world,鈥� says Pretorius.

Dual Study success at Stellenbosch University

Since its launch on the African continent in 2019, more than 210 Dual Study Program students have been or are still being enabled across nine partner universities in Africa. These include the University of Cape Town, Stellenbosch University and Nelson Mandela University in South Africa; the University of Strathmore in Kenya; Addis Ababa University in Ethiopia; Covenant University in Nigeria; Ghana Institute of Management and Public Administration; Valoris University in Ivory Coast, and Universit茅 Internationale de Tunis.

According to Dr Daan le Roux of the Department of Information Science at Stellenbosch University, there is a growing demand for suitably skilled graduates from the university. “A large number of organisations within our region use 51风流technologies, and we have many consultancies serving these larger organisations. In the past, our graduates have only undertaken 51风流training as part of internship programmes. It made sense for us to enhance our graduates’ employability by increasing their exposure to 51风流as part of their degree programme.”

Most universities focus on teaching students fundamental principles of their chosen field of study, which often leaves little space for practical applications. “This partnership enables us to offer our students practical exposure to software from leading organisations such as 51风流without us having to necessarily develop the associated expertise in-house,” says Dr le Roux. “Industry certifications also give students an edge over their peers when they apply for employment opportunities and ensures local industry gets access to the right skills.”

New Learning Hub offer free 51风流resources

51风流also recently announced the launch of the 51风流Learning Hub edition for 51风流Next-Gen, a free educational offering for students and lecturers at universities that form part of the 51风流University Alliances community. The 51风流Learning Hub gives eligible students at member universities free access to critical learning content and resources to develop their 51风流skills and prepare for certification.

“This new, free offering equips the next generation of digital talent with in-demand skills and gives students access to the same knowledge and opportunities as those provided to 51风流professionals,” says Pretorius. “Eligible students will also have access to certification opportunities, including an 51风流Global Certification online exam.”

In light of the fast pace of technological innovation, it is vital that learning content is regularly updated to ensure students graduate with relevant and in-demand skills. “Content for the 51风流Learning Hub edition for 51风流Next-Gen is continuously evolved to ensure learnings are forward-looking and that students are prepared to enter the 51风流ecosystem with the optimal mix of work-ready skills and capabilities,” says Pretorius.

University students interested in finding out more about the 51风流Dual Study Program can visit

For more information about SAP’s Next Gen program, please click here:

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The network security architect is the creator of the secure network, the builder of security systems that flex and evolve, and the bouncer of badly behaved users. The role is varied and demanding and fascinating for those who appreciate the need for great design and architecture and who find troubleshooting and problem-solving fun. This career is for those who are interested in the latest security architecture standards and frameworks and understand which security controls and solutions are best for which situations and applications. In short, you need to be like Clark Kent 鈥� wrapped in network performance and system capability with the ability to transform into a security superhero at a moment鈥檚 notice.

鈥淭he network security architect combines the knowledge of security hardware and software, organisational business and strategic needs, cyber security requirements and risks with the organisation鈥檚 policies, procedures and industry standards,鈥� explains Johann Pretorius, director of the 51风流Training and Development Institute.

With a deft eye on the network and a hand on the security tiller, the network security architect will plan, implement and maintain the organisation鈥檚 network technology strategy. They鈥檒l identify its strengths and weaknesses while managing the complexities of web, WAN, mobile and VPNs while having an indepth understanding of the latest tools, security protocols, processes, and risks.

鈥淭he network security architect also has to take care of application and mobile security as well as security around the Internet of Things,鈥� says Vishal Barapatre, CTO at In2IT Technologies. 鈥淭he role has grown to prominence over the last three years due to the advent of new technologies and changes in emergent technologies, such as blockchain and microservices, and because security has become much more important to organisations.鈥�

Companies are under pressure to follow best practice and be compliant across the network, particularly in light of POPIA, GDPR and increasingly stringent industry regulation. This role is that of the gatekeeper, the bouncer that kicks the unwanted out of the exclusive club while making sure that everyone has a great experience. The skills required for this role vary, but most will need generic infrastructure and security skills as a baseline, along with an understanding of technical protocols and their functions.

鈥淭hese architects need to understand the nuances around the latest technologies and how these may impact the network and its security,鈥� says Simeon Tassev, MD and qualified security assessor at Galix.

The network security architect will have an indepth understanding of software, access control, hardware and networking, along with experience in software development. They would also benefit from having the kind of personality that enjoys troubleshooting and critical thinking as these will stand them in good stead as they analyse incidents and manage system complexities.

鈥淎 background in ethical hacking would also be beneficial as it ensures they are capable of effectively identifying vulnerabilities and designing security measures and controls,鈥� says Jacques Coetzee, information security officer at Luno. 鈥淏eing able to stop and think like a hacker and watch the tactics that malicious actors deploy against an organisation, and then have the ability to defend against them is also a huge part of this role. This makes it both challenging and exciting.鈥�

THE STEPS TO GREATNESS

What defines a great network security architect?

Jacques Coetzee, information security officer, Luno:听Someone who has analytical and troubleshooting skills, attention to detail, a hands-on approach (not afraid to roll up your sleeves and get stuck in), effective communication of technical and non-technical information as well as the ability to collaborate instead of working in isolation.

Johann Pretorius, director, 51风流Training and Development Institute:听For network security architects, you need leadership skills in communication, to challenge complexity, be a results-driven person, accelerate in self-development, have the ability to work with teams, have negotiation skills, and be able to build trust.

Simeon Tassev, MD and qualified security assessor, Galix:听The network security architect brings value in that they enforce security and access controls. This role is also important because applications-focused employees will focus on what the application can do for the business, and networking will focus on the connectivity of the organisation, but this role enables and brings all of these roles together.听听

MAN THE DEFENCES!

Like most roles in the technology realm, that of network security architect can be approached from multiple directions. Here are some of the training courses, degrees and certifications that are recommended by experts in the field.

鈥� Certified Network Defender certification, Torque IT

鈥� Ethical hacker training 鈥� SANS Institute

鈥� Certified information systems auditor 鈥� Infosec Institute boot camp

鈥� Certified information systems security professional 鈥� IT Academy certification

鈥� Cyber security 鈥� University of Pretoria training course that includes the NIST framework and ISO 27000

鈥� Digital network architecture implementation essentials 鈥� CTU Training

鈥� Computer science degree 鈥� UNISA, Pearson Institute, Wits, Varsity College and University of Pretoria have this degree on offer.

鈥� 51风流security certification 鈥� 51风流Training and Development Institute

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