Cyber Security Skills Training Programme 2026 Open (X115 Posts)

South African youth interested in technology and digital careers now have an exciting opportunity to enter the rapidly growing cybersecurity sector. The Garden Route District Municipality (GRDM), through the Garden Route Skills Mecca initiative and in partnership with ETDP SETA, has announced 115 Cyber Security Skills Programme training opportunities for unemployed residents.

This initiative is designed to equip young people with critical digital security skills that are increasingly in demand in government, business, and the global digital economy. If you are currently unemployed and live within the Hessequa municipal area, this programme could be your gateway into the world of cybersecurity.

Quick Overview

Programme: Cyber Security Skills Programme
Organisation: Garden Route District Municipality (GRDM)
Programme Initiative: Garden Route Skills Mecca
Number of Opportunities: 115
Location: Hessequa Municipal Area (Western Cape)
Minimum Qualification: Matric / NQF Level 4
Mathematics Requirement: 40% Mathematics OR 50% Mathematical Literacy
Language Requirement: English as a subject
Stipend: Paid for the duration of the programme
Application Method: Online via the GRDM Unemployed Solutions portal
Closing Date: 13 March 2026
Notice Number: 18/2026
Salary: R6 500 Per Month

The Garden Route Skills Mecca Initiative

The Garden Route Skills Mecca is a regional initiative designed to strengthen workforce development in the district.

Its objectives include:

• Identifying skills shortages in the region
• Connecting unemployed youth to training opportunities
• Supporting industry-aligned skills development
• Building local economic capacity

By introducing training programmes such as the Cyber Security Skills Programme, the initiative aims to equip youth with future-ready digital skills.

This is particularly important as South Africa continues to invest in digital transformation.

Towns and Areas Covered

The Cyber Security Skills Programme opportunities are distributed across several towns in the Hessequa municipal area.

The participating towns include:

• Witsand
• Slangrivier
• Heidelberg
• Riversdale (including Garcia and Vermaaklikheid)
• Still Bay (including Melkhoutfontein)
• Albertinia
• Gouritsmond (including Bitouville)

The allocations are divided equally among these areas to ensure fair access to training opportunities for local residents.

Minimum Requirements

Applicants must meet the following criteria to be considered for the programme.

Minimum education requirements include:

• Matric certificate or NQF Level 4 qualification
• Mathematics with a minimum of 40 percent OR Mathematical Literacy with at least 50 percent
• English as a subject

Additional criteria include:

• Must be unemployed
• Must reside within the Hessequa municipal area
• Must be able to participate in the training programme for the full duration

These requirements are designed to ensure participants have the foundational academic skills necessary to succeed in a cybersecurity learning environment.

Required Documents for Application

Applications will only be considered if the required documents are submitted.

Applicants must attach the following:

• Certified copy of South African ID (not older than 3 months)
• Certified copy of highest educational qualification (not older than 3 months)
• Updated CV confirming previous work experience (if applicable)

Incomplete applications will not be considered.

Stipend Information

Participants selected for the programme will receive a stipend for the duration of the training.

The stipend is intended to assist with basic expenses including:

• Meals
• Accommodation
• Transport costs

While the exact stipend amount is not specified in the advert, it is meant to support trainees while they focus on completing the programme successfully.

How to Apply

Applications must be submitted online through the GRDM system.

Applicants must use the Unemployed Solutions portal available through the Garden Route Skills Mecca website.

Application portal: https://skillsmecca.gardenroute.gov.za/

When visiting the website:

1. Locate the Unemployed Solutions system
2. Click the red application button
3. Register or log into your profile
4. Upload the required documents
5. Submit your application before the deadline

Applicants should ensure that all uploaded documents are clearly certified and readable.

Important Application Notes

The Garden Route District Municipality has stated that:

• Only fully completed applications will be considered
• All required documents must be attached
• Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted

If you do not receive feedback within two months after the closing date, your application should be considered unsuccessful.

Contact Information for Enquiries

Applicants who require assistance may contact the following officials during office hours.

Renola Abrahams
Phone: 028 713 7842
Email: renola@hessequa.gov.za

Dineo Ramasesane
Phone: 044 803 1447
Email: dineo@gardenroute.gov.za

Letlehu Janjije
Phone: 044 803 1456
Email: llethu@gardenroute.gov.za

Closing Date: 13 March 2026

Applicants are encouraged to apply as soon as possible to avoid missing the deadline.