Ntshavheni Assures to Combat Cybercrime Amidst Alleged R300 Million Siphoning

Minister Ntshavheni highlighted that the State Security Agency (SSA) has been inundated with media inquiries following the DPWI's statement.

Minister in the Presidency Khumbudzo Ntshavheni has reaffirmed the government's commitment to preventing cybercrime following recent allegations of substantial financial losses due to cyberattacks on the Department of Public Works and Infrastructure (DPWI).

Public Works and Infrastructure Minister Dean Macpherson recently issued a statement revealing that approximately R300 million had allegedly been siphoned off from the DPWI through cybercrime over the past decade. Additionally, cyber attackers reportedly stole R24 million in May this year. These revelations emerged during detailed assessments and incoming briefings from department branches conducted by Minister Macpherson and Deputy Minister Sihle Zikalala.

"I cannot discount the possibility of collusion between officials and criminals in this prolonged period of theft. It is clear that we need better financial controls, which I have said to the department are a matter of urgency," Minister Macpherson stated.

In response to the discovery, four DPWI officials, including three senior management and one middle management official, have been suspended, and 30 laptops have been seized by investigators. The department announced a full forensic probe into the vulnerabilities of its information and technology systems in May, with the assistance of banking partners such as ABSA and the South African Reserve Bank.

The investigation, involving cyber and ICT security experts, aims to address:

• Causes of the breach and vulnerabilities.
• Susceptibility of the department's ICT infrastructure to cybercrime.
• Lack of staff capacity and weaknesses in ICT systems.

Minister Ntshavheni highlighted that the State Security Agency (SSA) has been inundated with media inquiries following the DPWI's statement. She emphasized that the investigation is ongoing and that investigating teams have been urged to work swiftly while maintaining thoroughness.

"The SSA continues to provide support and advice to government departments on cybersecurity. A consolidated assessment of the government's cybersecurity strengths and initiatives to address any weaknesses found in the system is being finalized," Minister Ntshavheni said.

She added that once completed, the report would be submitted to the National Security Council for further processing and direction, underscoring the government's proactive stance in bolstering cybersecurity and preventing future incidents.

This assurance from Minister Ntshavheni reflects the government's dedication to addressing cybercrime and enhancing financial controls within its departments to safeguard against such significant financial losses in the future.