In a hyper-connected digital universe, cybersecurity isn’t optional, it’s mission critical. As the ITWeb Security Summit Hackathon marks its 10-year milestone, we rally the next generation of innovators under one banner: Hackers Assemble!
This year’s challenge? Unleash the power of AI to fortify cyber resilience. Design intelligent, adaptive solutions that can predict, detect and neutralise threats in real time. From AI-driven threat detection to automated response and advanced security analytics, the mission is clear; outpace adversaries and engineer the future of defence.
Created by ITWeb in partnership with Geekulcha, the hackathon was born to tackle the industry’s critical cybersecurity skills gap. A decade later, it remains a launchpad for young developers, techpreneurs and security enthusiasts to horn their skills, collaborate with seasoned mentors, and build real-world cyber defence strategies.
In 2026, bright local talent will once again converge at the Sandton Convention Centre, alongside the ITWeb Security Summit 2026, to code, collaborate and innovate in an electric atmosphere charged with curiosity and purpose.
For ten years, this hackathon has empowered builders of the digital frontier.
Now it’s your turn.
Hackers Assemble.
Let’s defend the digital world and build what comes next.
Hackathon Timeline
10 February 2026
Registration will officially open for the hackathon as an open call and closes on 10 April 2026.
11 April 2026
The IDEATHON will take place virtually.
30 April 2026
Submission will close for the post IDEATHON work in consideration for participation for the Assembly hackathon.
10 May 2026
Teams are informed that they will participate onto the hackathon through an automated Sonke process.
22-23 May 2026
With unlimited number of participants, the Assembly Hackathon will take place virtual and will produce the Top Teams.
27 May 2026
Pre-hackathon finale briefing to prepare the final teams for participation, hosted virtually.
2-3 June 2026
Top 10 Secure Innovation and Top CTF Challenge teams battle it out physically at the Sandton Convention Centre.
3 June 2026
Top 3 teams and CTF Challenge winners are announced on the stage at the ITWeb Security Summit 2026.
FOR THE PARTICIPANTS
ITWeb in partnership with Geekulcha, invites you to step onto the front lines of the digital battlefield, a world of deception, misdirection, and relentless cyber threats, where only the sharpest minds stand between chaos and control. This is the world of cybersecurity, zero trust, and digital defence, and in 2026, we’re calling on the heroes to rise.
If you have IT or cybersecurity skills and you’re ready to test your limits, or level up fast, this is your arena. Learn directly from industry-leading professionals, go head-to-head with top talent from across the ecosystem, and compete for cash prizes, career-launching opportunities, and serious bragging rights.
The journey kicks off with the Ideathon, the official starting point of #SS26Hack. This high-energy phase is all about training, ideation, and team selection, setting you up for success. You’ll gain insider insight into today’s cyber threat landscape, explore real-world challenges, and refine your ideas under the guidance of expert mentors before moving into the main hackathon.
Whether you’re here to sharpen your skills, prove your expertise, or help defend the digital future, this is where it begins.
Suit up. Skill up. Hackers Assemble.
You'll team up in groups and apply for challenges or submit ideas of what you can build or showcase, and where the top entries will be taken through to the main event, held alongside ITWeb's 21st Security Summit, the definitive event for information security professionals.
Admission reserved, geeks and hackers only.
The IDEATHON
To prepare participants for the Hackathon, this year, a virtual IDEATHON will be held on 11th April for training and idea generation. A panel of industry leaders will run training sessions for the participants to acquire concepts and guidance in development of their #SS26Hack projects. Teams will then be selected to participate at the virtual Assembly Hackathon from 22-23 May. After this, the top teams will be chosen, whom will attend the final Live Hackathon at the ITWeb Security Summit in Sandton.
IDEATHON SUMMARY from ITWeb Security Summit 2025
Mentors
THE ROLE OF A HACKATHON MENTOR
An individual with the relevant experience who plays a guiding role during the Hackathon and IDEATHON by supporting teams in developing well-defined, relevant, and feasible solutions aligned with the objectives and scope of the challenge they have chosen to tackle.
Eva Mamabolo
Lecturer, Sol Plaatje University
Ayaz Saiyed
CTO, Telspace Africa
Jacky Baloyi
Telspace Africa
Jason van Niekerk
Threat Intelligence Manager, Snode Technologies
Keitumetsi Tsotetsi
CIO, Geekulcha
Nkosana Dube
Founder, Sync Access
Chandi Tome
CEO, Lolwe AI & Robotics Studio
Dr James Stanger
Chief Technology Evangelist, CompTIA
Steve Jump
vCISO, Strategist, Coach and Mentor, Custodiet Advisory Services
Bernard Mashala
Cyber Security Specialist, Transnet
Muzi Ntombela
CIO, CPSI
Thulani Mabuza
Cyber Security Consultant: Team Lead | Head, Orange Cyberdefense
Ivan Regasek
CEO, ITWeb
Tiyani Nghonyama
COO, Geekulcha
FOR THE INDUSTRY
Over the years, the hackathon has played a pivotal role in improving cyber security skills, tools and capabilities of ICT students, young techpreneurs and cyber security aficionados.
If you are a cyber security professional we ask that you give a little of your time, to share the knowledge and spread the skills, and to become a mentor. Warning, it is rewarding and addictive and you may find it extremely fun.
If you are a delegate at the Summit, we invite you to come past the participants, look at what they are doing, give them advice or otherwise just say hello.
SPONSORSHIP OF THE HACKATHON
If you are a marketer or want to be associated with initiatives like these, support us by contacting Debbie Visser for a breakdown of sponsorship opportunities available.
Contact Debbie Visser
Prizes
1st R20,000
sponsored by
2nd R10,000
sponsored by
3rd R5,000
IITPSA - Leading ICT Professionalism and Ethical Digital Transformation
The top three achievers in the 2026 ITWeb Security Hackathon will each be awarded a one-year free individual membership to the Institute of Information Technology Professionals South Africa (IITPSA).
The IITPSA is the only SAQA recognised and IFIP IP3 accredited professional body for ICT Practitioners in South Africa. This one-year membership will provide opportunities to continue your professional career and skills development and network and engage with other ICT professionals. Winners will need to complete the IITPSA application process to secure membership of the Institute. www.iitpsa.org.za
Partners
#SS25Hack gallery
