Anyone can be a victim of cyber-crime- Sakhile Dlamini
06 February 2024
Sakhile Dlamini is a Senior Communications Engineer in the Ministry of Information, Communications and Technology (ICT), a role that covers internet governance, cybersecurity, ecommerce, broadcasting infrastructure, telecommunications, and frequency spectrum, among others. In our latest civil servants’ blog, Dlamini tells us more about his work, including efforts to protect emaSwati from cyber threats.
Government Communications (GC): “What is your current job now and what does it entail? Please elaborate
Sakhile Dlamini (SD): “I am a Senior Communications Engineer. The job entails mainly the development of policy and legislative frameworks as well as carrying out projects, and programs in the communications sector such as internet governance, cybersecurity, ecommerce, broadcasting infrastructure, telecommunications, and frequency spectrum.”
GC: “Before this role, what other positions did you occupy in the Service?”
SD: “a. Network Engineer at Government Computer Services from 2010 to 2014.
- b. Communications Engineer 1 from 2014 to 2017.”
GC: “So far, what would you say the biggest highlight/achievement of your Civil Service journey has been?”
SD: “Playing a key role in the establishment of the National Chapter of the Internet Governance Forum (Eswatini IGF); contributing to the development of the National Cybersecurity Strategy and active participation in creating awareness on cyber- attacks and running of the Digital Terrestrial Television signal distribution network.”
GC: “What is the biggest project that you have been involved in working for Government?”
SD: “Implementing the Digital Migration project which facilitated the migration from analogue to digital television transmission. I have also been involved in the development of the Cyber Legislative frameworks, namely: Data Protection Act 2022, Computer Crime and Cybercrime Act, 2022, and the Electronic Communications and Transactions Act, 2022.”
GC: “Cybercrime remains a threat countrywide. What is Government doing to curb this illegal act and ensure that emaSwati are safe online?”
SD: “Government has enacted the Computer Crime and Cybercrime Act, 2022 and developed the National Cybersecurity Strategy 2022-2027. We also conduct awareness on cyber-crimes and threats. Government, through the Ministry of ICT, has established the National Cybersecurity Agency at ESCCOM, tasked with coordinating all cybersecurity issues in the country. Furthermore, the National Computer Incident Response Team (NCIRT) has been established under the National Cybersecurity Agency at ESCCOM. The NCIRT and the Police Service (REPS) provide platforms for emaSwati to report incidents they have been victim of. Government has also been creating awareness to the public on how to be safe online.”
GC: “What quick tips can you give to emaSwati to stay safe online?”
SD: “Create strong passwords; do not share your password with anyone; do not store your passwords; and avoid clicking on suspicious links on email and social media, i.e. WhatsApp groups.”
GC: “What lessons have you learnt while working on cybersecurity programs in Government?”
SD: “Cybersecurity awareness should be an ongoing activity for Government and should target all employee classes. Anyone can be a victim of cyber-crime.”
GC: “What do you love the most about working in Government?
SD: “Government is well structured and provides opportunity for growth through policies such as variation, promotion and training initiatives. Government also offers job security.”
GC: “What do you love the most about your job and profession?”
SD: “I love the fact that I can contribute to the creation of an enabling environment for socio-economic development through ICTs as well as the establishment of internet Governance frameworks and promoting the adoption of ICTs.”
GC: “What would you say are some of the challenges that come with your job?”
SD: “Inadequate funding for ICTs and a lack of budget for infrastructure development projects such as the Digital Terrestrial Television Network.”
GC: “What lessons have you learnt working for Government?”
SD: “Government is a well-structured institution, with many provisions for personnel development and improving the capacity of Government employees.”
GC: “What are your aspirations for the future in Government?”
SD: “I would love to see more empowerment provisions for Government employees including a medical aid facility. I would also love to see the streamlining of Government Ministries and departments and other institutions to achieve efficiency and eliminate duplication of efforts. Lastly, I hope to see an improved Performance Management System and more accountability in Government.”
--Ends—
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