Researchers
SIGLA Cyber
SIGLA's focus relates to leadership and governance on the African continent. This includes Africa's digital space, cyber threats and emerging technologies. The Cyber@SIGLA project was launched in 2018 project with a special emphasis on cyber warfare and cyber strategy and their role in terms of development within the military and security context. The cyber project has grown in its scope and activity and from 2022 will be broadened to include the space and cyber domains and related emerging technology threats.
Our emphasis is on creating and giving effect to innovative partnerships across academia, industry, and government within the Southern Africa region which aim to strengthen digital security competencies, deepen research and promote resilience. SIGLA Cyber has three strategic focus areas:
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Prof Michelle Nel
(Maritime Security)
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Michelle Nel is a lecturer in Criminal and Military law and the Law of Armed Conflict at the Faculty of Military Science, Stellenbosch University. She also serves as part-time researcher and fellow in SIGLA. Her areas of research include International Law, Military Law and Maritime Security. Her work has been published in South Africa and internationally.
Listen to her radio interview on the ICC and an African regional court.
Ms Noëlle Van der Waag-Cowling
(Cyber Security)
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Noëlle Van der Waag-Cowling is the Cyber Programme Lead at the Security Institute for Governance and Leadership (SIGLA), Stellenbosch University. Her work cuts across both the public and private sectors and has a strong focus on governance, risk and policy and geo-strategic issues in information security. Noëlle is passionate about tech innovation in Africa and building cyber capacity on the Continent.
Captain (Navy) Mark Stephen Blaine (ret)
(Maritime Security)
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Captain Mark Blain is currently a lecturer for nautical science at the Faculty of Military Science of the University of Stellenbosch, serves as a part-time researcher and fellow in Sigla and has completed his Master's Degree in Maritime Security through the University of Coventry in 2016.
Dr Susan Henrico
(Cyber Security)
Susan Henrico is a senior lecturer in Defence Intelligence Studies at the Department of Strategic Studies, Faculty of Military Science, Stellenbosch University. She is registered as a GISc professional with the South African Geomatics Council (SAGC) and has over 18 years’ experience in the geospatial intelligence field. Amongst others, her research involves studies about Free and Open Source GIS (FOSSGIS) and she is also the co-chair for the UN Open GIS (Capacity building) workgroup.
Dr Dries Putter
(Hybrid Warfare)