By Tendai Chisiri
Minister of ICT, Postal and Courier Services Dr. Tatenda Mavetera said the importance of cyber security cannot be overststed at the graduation ceremony of civil servants after cybersecurity training in Harare.
The week long cybersecurity training for civil servants was necessitated through a partnership between Postal and Telecommunications Regulatory Authority (POTRAZ) and Huawei, a global leader in ICT solutions.
Speaking at the award ceremony, Dr Mavetera, ” In today’s interconnected world, where digital transformation is not just an aspiration but a necessity, the importance of cyber security cannot be overstated. As we embrace the benefits of ICT in enhancing our governmental operations, we must also be vigilant and proactive in safeguarding our digital infrastructure against the ever-evolving threats that lurk in cyberspace. In fulfilling our mandate to leave no one and no place behind we must ensure that no one is left behind in cyber security awareness”
” The collaboration between the Ministry of ICT, Postal and Courier Services and Huawei Technologies represents a pivotal step in our national strategy to foster cyber resilience. Huawei Technologies, a global leader in ICT solutions, has brought to this program not only cutting-edge expertise but also a deep understanding of the challenges we face as a nation striving to secure its digital future. This partnership has provided our Government Officials with the essential skills and knowledge required to protect our information systems, ensuring the confidentiality, integrity, and availability of our national data”, she added.
Zimbabwe is not immune to cyber security threats with social media accounts of prominent individuals and entities hacked in the past. Recently we were informed of allegations that a leading Zimbabwean bank had its systems hacked with the hackers demanding ransom lest the hackers leak operational and customer information. According to a 2015 report from the RBZ, the most common cybercrimes in Zimbabwe are identity theft, hacking, email phishing, and malware victimisation. We thus have a critical role as a nation in ensuring that we have adequate cyber security systems and knowledge.
In his remarks at the event, POTRAZ Director General Dr. Gift Machengete commended the training aas a step forward. ” It is a distinct pleasure to be here today to celebrate the successful completion of this vital cybersecurity training. The collaboration between Huawei and the Ministry of ICT has proven to be a stellar example of how partnerships can drive significant advancements in our public service sectors”, he said.
”As we stand on the brink of an era where data has become the most valuable commodity, it is essential that we recognize the importance of such partnerships. As Dr. Beullah Chirume aptly stated at the start of this conference, “Collaboration is not just about joining forces; it’s about creating a synergy that transforms challenges into opportunities.” This training is a testament to that very philosophy”, he stated.
The global landscape has changed dramatically, with the amount of data consumed in 2023 doubling that of the period from 2000 to 2022. This surge in data usage has ushered in a new world order, making cybersecurity a critical aspect of digital lives. ” Our duty as public servants is to stay ahead of the curve, ensuring that our digital infrastructure is not only functional but resilient against the ever-evolving threats we face”, POTRAZ boss said.
”In this context, the collaboration between Huawei and our Ministry has been both timely and transformative. Huawei’s commitment to sharing their expertise and insights has been instrumental in equipping you with the knowledge needed to navigate this complex field”, he added.
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