The Chief of the South African Army (CSSA), Lieutenant General Lawrence Khulekani Mbatha, has warned that South Africa and the wider African continent are facing persistent cyber threats, stressing the growing importance of strengthening cyber defence capabilities.
Mbatha made the remark during a working visit to Nigeria, where he also expressed interest in studying the operational model of the Nigerian Army Cyber Warfare Command.
According to him, South Africa’s defence establishment recognises the urgent need to expand its cyber defence capacity in response to increasing digital threats.
“In South Africa, signals capability currently sits within Defence Intelligence, but the need for cyber capability is clear. We are under constant bombardment in cyberspace,” he said.
He explained that South Africa is still undergoing a transformational phase in building cyber warfare capabilities, noting that the availability of resources remains a major factor determining the pace of implementation.
“The concept exists and the need is defined, but implementation is determined by available resources. From what I have learned here, based on your mandate and operational exposure, this capability is not just a concept but a reality. I will take this back into my own strategic environment where research is conducted,” Mbatha added.
The South African Army chief noted that the Nigerian Army Cyber Warfare Command, which was established in 2020, has recorded remarkable progress within a relatively short period despite the resource-intensive nature of cyber operations.
Reflecting on the broader challenges facing African nations, Mbatha observed that historical legacies continue to shape present realities across the continent.
“To correct that in three months or even three years will be costly and will take generations,” he said, using a cultural analogy to emphasise that collective efforts remain essential in overcoming long-standing challenges.
He further highlighted the collective ethos of the South African Army, explaining that its identity is symbolised by the pride of lions, which operate together when confronting threats.
Earlier, the Commander of the Nigerian Army Cyber Warfare Command, Major General Kennedy Osemwegie, described the visit as historic and said it reflects the enduring defence cooperation between Nigeria and South Africa.
Osemwegie expressed optimism that the engagement would deepen collaboration between the two countries, particularly in areas such as cyber defence, exchange programmes and strategic partnerships.
During the visit, Mbatha and his delegation also toured the Nigerian Army Museum and the National Defence College Nigeria.
Linus Aleke
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