Cybersecurity takes centre stage at SACAA aviation conference
Industry leaders at the National Aviation Conference 2026 discussed cybersecurity risks facing South Africa’s aviation sector, stressing the need for stronger collaboration, training and regulation to protect critical systems.
Cybersecurity was among the key topics highlighted at the National Aviation Conference 2026, hosted by the South African Civil Aviation Authority (SACAA) at Emperors Palace from May 6 to 7.
The two-day conference brought together various stakeholders in the aviation sector, including aviation experts, academics and industry players, to discuss the future of aviation in South Africa.
Panel discussions and presentations focused on skills development, safety, technology and job creation within the sector.
One discussion specifically explored South Africa’s readiness to deal with potential cyber threats in aviation, as well as the measures in place to ensure safety and resilience.
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Speaking at the conference, Avsec risk management specialist Given Shingange said the aviation landscape is constantly evolving and that the sector continues to adapt through regulatory development and oversight capabilities.
Shingange added that sharing information about cybersecurity attacks and potential threats affecting civil aviation is important, as it helps authorities identify trends and alert organisations that may not yet have adequate measures in place to combat these challenges.
“It’s important to note that it doesn’t have to be an attack that becomes successful in disrupting operations. Alerting on suspicious activity helps us prepare ahead of potential attacks,” said Shingange.
Lead consultant for Information Security at SITA, Lyverne Prinsloo, explained that once aviation data is compromised, customers’ information is exposed and individuals can be impersonated.
Prinsloo said cyber attacks are often aimed at state entities, where information can be obtained and used to launch even larger attacks.
She further added that South Africa plays an important role in establishing legislation that protects institutions, and stressed that collaboration is essential in overcoming cybersecurity threats and strengthening the future of cybersecurity.
“We have placed 62% of unemployed youth within the cybersecurity field. We are going out there to train our graduates in cybersecurity and move them within the different fields of aviation,” said Prinsloo.
Braden-Lee Mokoena
Transport minister Barbara Creecy praised the aviation sector for ranking seventh globally in aviation safety oversight, achieving 95% in the international aviation safety audit.
The minister also highlighted that aviation safety and security are essential in maintaining public confidence in the system.
She added that Airports Company South Africa plans to invest R21.7 billion over the next five years to upgrade airports across the country.
