Cybersecurity jobs are growing fast, and South Africa needs more young people who can work in this field. Many applicants struggle to get started because they do not have experience yet. That is why the De Beers Group Cybersecurity Learnership Programme 2026 matters right now. It gives you a way to learn, gain workplace exposure, and build skills that employers value.
This opportunity is offered through Anglo American’s International Cybersecurity Early Careers Programme. It is based in Johannesburg and runs for 12 months. The learnership is designed for unemployed youth and early career candidates who want practical exposure to cybersecurity operations in a global company environment.
What the Opportunity Is
The De Beers Group Cybersecurity Learnership Programme 2026 is a structured learnership in information management and cybersecurity. It is for entry-level applicants who want to start a career in cyber work.
Programme details:
- Programme Name: De Beers Group Cybersecurity Learnership Programme 2026
- Reference Number: REF79235A
- Location: Johannesburg, South Africa
- Industry: Information Management / Cybersecurity
- Programme Type: Learnership
- Duration: 12 Months
- Closing Date: 22 May 2026
- Minimum Qualification: Grade 12 with Mathematics and Science
- Certification Included: CompTIA Security+ Preparation
- Company: Anglo American / De Beers Group
- Experience Level: Entry Level / Intern / Trainee
- Application Method: Online Application
This is not just classroom learning. You will get exposure to real cybersecurity work and learn how teams protect systems, data, and users from digital threats.
Who Can Apply
Many young people worry that they are not “qualified enough” for cybersecurity. That is normal. This learnership is made for early career candidates, so you do not need years of experience.
To qualify, you must:
- Be at least 18 years old
- Have completed Grade 12
- Have Mathematics and Science
- Have a strong interest in cybersecurity
- Have analytical and problem-solving skills
- Have communication and teamwork skills
- Be able to learn new technologies quickly
- Have good English communication skills
This opportunity is especially suitable for:
- Matriculants interested in IT
- Youth interested in ethical hacking
- Entry-level tech candidates
- Unemployed youth interested in digital careers
- People who want to move into cybersecurity
If you enjoy solving problems and learning how computers, networks, and security systems work, this may be a good fit for you.
What You Gain From the Programme
This learnership gives you more than a certificate. It helps you build real workplace knowledge in a field that needs careful and focused people.
Cybersecurity operations exposure
You will get practical exposure to how cybersecurity teams work every day. This includes:
- Security monitoring
- Security alerts
- Incident detection
- Cybersecurity investigations
- Security incident response processes
This is important because modern companies use security operations centres, often called SOCs, to spot and respond to threats quickly.
Cyber threat intelligence
Cyber threat intelligence is about understanding threats before they cause damage. During the programme, you will learn how cyber threats are analysed and reported.
- Learn how cyber threats are analysed
- Understand intelligence gathering
- Contribute to threat reporting
- Learn how organisations defend themselves early
This will help you understand how attackers work and how companies try to stop them before problems happen.
Digital forensics exposure
Digital forensics is the process of studying digital evidence after a cyber incident. You will get exposure to:
- Evidence collection
- Investigation methods
- Forensic tools
- Legally compliant investigation processes
This area is useful when suspicious online activity must be investigated properly and carefully.
Human cyber risk and awareness
Not all cyber incidents happen because of weak systems. Many happen because people click on unsafe links or trust fake messages. This learnership also focuses on people and behaviour.
- Cybersecurity awareness training
- User behaviour analysis
- Safe online behaviour promotion
- Awareness campaigns
This matters because cybersecurity is not only about technology. It is also about people making safe choices.
CompTIA Security+ preparation
One of the biggest benefits is preparation for the CompTIA Security+ certification. This is an internationally recognised certification and one of the best starter qualifications in cybersecurity.
The certification covers:
- Network security
- Threat management
- Identity management
- Cryptography
- Risk management
- Security operations
- Incident response
For many South African job seekers, this type of training is expensive to pay for privately. That is why this learnership is valuable.
How the Recruitment Process Works
Large companies usually screen applicants carefully. That means your application must be complete, honest, and professional.
The recruitment process may include:
- CV screening
- Interviews
- Psychometric assessments
- Background checks
- Qualification verification
- Criminal checks where applicable
You may also need to agree to background screening. Make sure your contact details, school results, and CV are correct before you apply.
How to Apply
Apply only through the official company recruitment platform. Do not send personal documents to unofficial emails or social media pages.
- Read the job advert carefully and check that you meet the minimum requirements.
- Prepare a clean CV with correct contact details.
- Make sure your Grade 12 results show Mathematics and Science.
- Write a short, honest motivation showing your interest in cybersecurity.
- Submit your application online before the closing date.
- Keep checking your email and phone for updates from the recruiter.
Official application link: Apply for the De Beers Group Cybersecurity Learnership Programme 2026 intake here
Closing date: 22 May 2026
Tips to Improve Your Chances
Competition for cybersecurity opportunities is usually high. Many applicants want the same place, so you need to prepare well.
Learn the basics first
You do not need to be an expert, but basic knowledge helps. You can learn from free and low-cost resources before you apply.
- Free YouTube cybersecurity tutorials
- Free cybersecurity courses
- Introductory networking courses
- Basic Linux tutorials
- Online IT fundamentals
Write a strong CV
Your CV should be simple, neat, and honest. Focus on what shows your potential.
- Technical interests
- Computer literacy
- Problem-solving ability
- Academic strengths
- Leadership roles
- Projects or certifications
- Willingness to learn
Prepare for assessments
Many companies use psychometric tests to check how you think and solve problems. These tests may measure:
- Logical thinking
- Problem-solving
- Attention to detail
- Behavioural traits
- Learning ability
Practising aptitude tests online can help you feel more ready.
Work on communication
Cybersecurity teams must explain risks, incidents, and solutions clearly. Good communication can help you in interviews and in the workplace.
Also, try to learn about Anglo American and De Beers Group before your interview. This shows that you are serious and prepared.
Final Advice
If you want to enter cybersecurity, this learnership is a strong starting point. It gives you practical exposure, workplace learning, and preparation for a respected certification.
You do not need to know everything before you apply. The company is looking for potential, discipline, curiosity, and a willingness to learn.
Before you submit your application, update your CV, use a professional email address, and make sure your details are correct. Then apply through the official portal only.
Remember: the closing date is 22 May 2026, and the programme is based in Johannesburg.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is this learnership paid?
The advert mentions competitive salary and benefits, but exact stipend details are not specified.
Is prior cybersecurity experience required?
No. This is an entry-level programme for early career candidates.
Is the CompTIA Security+ certification included?
The programme includes preparation for the CompTIA Security+ certification.
Where is the learnership based?
It is based in Johannesburg, South Africa.
What subjects are required?
Applicants must have Grade 12 with Mathematics and Science.
Can university graduates apply?
Yes, if they meet the programme requirements.
What is the closing date?
The closing date is 22 May 2026.
Disclaimer
Edupstairs shares opportunity information for educational and informational purposes only. Applicants should always verify details and apply through the official company recruitment platform.
EDUPSTAIRS IS A REGISTERED NON-PROFIT ORGANISATION NPO No: 232 – 182, PUBLIC BENEFIT ORGANISATION (PBO): 930066984. EDUPSTAIRS DOES NOT, IN ANY WAY OR FORM, SOLICIT MONEY OR CV’S FROM PEOPLE FOR JOBS. PLEASE BE AWARE OF PHONY JOB POSTINGS AND RECRUITMENT FRAUD. USE THE EDUPSTAIRS SCAM DETECTOR TOOL TO SPOT A SCAM BEFORE YOU APPLY
Verified / Low Risk
This is an evidence-based risk assessment to help applicants verify opportunities.
- Organisation: De Beers Group
- Source: Official website/career portal
- Apply via: Online portal
- Reference: REF79235A
Disclaimer: Edupstairs provides a risk assessment, not a legal determination. Always verify with official sources before sharing personal information or making payments.
