Nie Cele
In case you are still in the dark, one of the striking memorable tagline used to market Maharishi Invincibility Institute reads “ The place where professionals are born” This fast growing Institute has recently just shown that their shibboleth is for real and not a tongue in cheek and lip praise.
Back to the story!!! Maharishi Invincibility Institute in partnership with Absa Cybersecurity Academy recently certificated its first cohort of 20 students with the most sort after and scarce Cybersecurity qualifications at an auspicious event held at Johannesburg Country Club in Auckland Park.
To crown it all two of the graduates passed their modules with Magnum Cum Laude and the whole cohort earned themselves a one year employment contract with Africa’s largest financial service Absa Group.
The full academic curriculum at the academy spans three years. Each year includes formal technical learning, practical and experiential learning, as well as intensive, customised personal mastery and soft skills.
Taddy Blecher, CEO and Co-founder of the Maharishi Invincibility Institute told the packed audience the day was a celebration of courage and strength.
He also revealed the graduates have obtained 17 qualifications.
“These graduates have heavy CV’s. I have never heard of someone who has 17 qualifications. Cybersecurity is a career that every country in the world needs. The cherry on top is that they can find employment anywhere in the world.
“As an Institution, we are constantly working on developing more sustainable ways to help unemployed youth in South Africa gain access to transferable skills through education, training, and jobs. To empower young people, partnerships such as the one we have with Absa are key. Furthermore, graduates of Absa’s Cybersecurity Academy represent unlimited opportunities and potential,” Blecher argued.
Manoj Puri, Group Chief Security Officer at Absa Group told the audience a career in cybersecurity will provide the graduates with high-in-demand skills and an opportunity to work in multiple industries.
“In line with Absa’s strategy to be an active force for good in everything we do, the Absa Cybersecurity Academy aims to continue developing a strong cybersecurity resource pool and capabilities within South Africa.”
Ina Steyn, Head of Security Education and Awareness, Absa Converged Security Office said, “The graduation of the students is a step towards bridging the scarce skills gap in the South African cybersecurity field. It is also a reflection of the growth of equal education and upskilling opportunities for young women in the technology sector. As the country transitions to a more digitally empowered economy, we hope that each of the graduates will leverage their skills in innovative ways while empowering their communities.”
Wilhelm Krige, Interim Chief Information and Technology Officer at Absa Group said, “The Absa Cybersecurity Academy aligns with our firm commitment to be an active force for good. We also understand that our country’s economic well-being depends on education. It is the foundation for economic efficiency and social cohesion, and through initiatives such as this, Absa has the ability to introduce and invest in industry-led initiatives that not only promote Cybersecurity careers but also empower young people from diverse backgrounds.”
Dawn Mthombeni, an Executive from Absa also echoed the sentiment that Cybersecurity is one of the critical skills most organisation struggle to find.
“This is one area we will continue to invest in. This is only the beginning, we expect more to come in order to double up the numbers,” Mthombeni revealed.
DID YOU KNOW?
- Maharishi Invincibility Institute, was launched in 2019 to address the global skills shortage at a local level through a world-class, innovative and fully immersed educational experience.
- The students that completed their qualification also received internship letters to start their cyber career at Absa on 1 October 2022. The projected global cyber security skills gap is estimated to be 2.72 million according to the Fortinet 2022 Cybersecurity Skills Gap report.
- Absa Group Limited (‘Absa Group’) is listed on the Johannesburg Stock Exchange and is one of Africa’s largest diversified financial services groups.
- Absa Group offers an integrated set of products and services across personal and business banking, corporate and investment banking, wealth and investment management and insurance.
- The Group owns majority stakes in banks in Botswana, Ghana, Kenya, Mauritius, Mozambique, Seychelles, South Africa, Tanzania (Absa Bank Tanzania and National Bank of Commerce), Uganda and Zambia and has insurance operations in Botswana, Kenya, Mozambique, South Africa and Zambia. Absa also has representative offices in Namibia and Nigeria, and securities entities in the United Kingdom and the United States.
