South Africa Elevates Cybersecurity as a National Security and Counterintelligence Priority

CYBER LAW

In a significant shift in South Africa’s national security focus, the government has formally elevated cybersecurity to the level of a cybersecurity and protective security priority. This strategic pivot was outlined in the newly released National Intelligence Priority and National Security Strategy (NSS) 2024-2029, unveiled by Minister in the Presidency, Khumbudzo Ntshavheni. This document positions cyber threats at the centre of the country’s defence strategy, reflecting growing concern over the vulnerability of both state and private digital systems to malicious attacks.

Why Cybersecurity Now?

The South African Weather Service suffered a major ICT outage in January 2025, disrupting aviation and marine operations.
High-profile breaches have hit entities including South African Airways, the Department of Justice, Transnet, SITA, SANSA, and the CIPC.
According to the Check Point Intelligence, South Africa’s government and military systems face an average of 3803 attacks per week, nearly double the global average.

Key Pillars of the National Cybersecurity Strategy

Cyber security now forms one of eight strategic pillars within the NSS, aimed at safeguarding sovereignty in the digital and information space.

Core aspects include:

Risk Awareness & Accountability: Mandating a culture of vigilance across both public and private sectors
Domestic Capability Building: Investing in local cyber forensic expertise and reducing reliance on foreign vendors.
Supply Chain Security: Strengthening procurement oversight, especially when foreign-based technology is involved.
Information Sharing: Promoting collaboration with government cybersecurity teams, industry bodies, and Computer Emergency Response Teams (CERTs).

What This Means for South African Businesses

Organisations, particularly those in critical infrastructure, public services, or key supply chains, are urged to recalibrate their cyber security postures in response to new national directive. The private sector is no longer a bystander in state security; it’s now a frontline partner.

Action Plan: What Companies Should Do Now

1. Conduct Cyber Risk Assessments

Identify vulnerabilities in systems, particularly in procurement and supply chains.

2. Adopt a Prevention-First Mindset

Embrace zero-trust architectures, layered security, and operate under the assumption that breaches are possible.

3. Review Access and Third-Party Exposure

Limit administrative privileges and vet vendors carefully.

4. Invest in Skilled

Upskill teams in cyber forensics, threat detection, and incident response.

5. Collaborate and Share Intelligence

Align with government frameworks and industry platforms to improve threat awareness and response readiness.

A Strategic Shift with National Implications

With cybersecurity now central to South Africa’s national security vision, the pressure is on for both the public and private sectors to act. This isn’t just about avoiding data loss or reputational damage, it’s about national resilience.

Proactive organisations will not only mitigate risk but will also align themselves with government priorities, demonstrating responsibility, innovation and readiness in an increasingly hostile digital world.

At Adonisi Attorneys Incorporated, we understand the intersection of law, risk management, and cybersecurity. We assist businesses in:

Reviewing and updating cyber and data protection policies;
Drafting cyber-resilient contractual frameworks with vendors and partners;
Conducting legal due diligence;
Ensuring compliance with the Protection of Personal Information Act (POPIA), the Cybercrimes Act, and other applicable regulations;
Training management and staff on legal obligations in the cybersecurity space; and
Responding to data breaches in line with regulatory notification requirements.

We provide tailored legal solutions to help you navigate this evolving regulatory and threat landscape proactively, strategically, and securely.