Matodzi Radzhadzhi
Cybersecurity Specialist
Johannesburg
Summary
Results-oriented professional with extensive experience in technology risk and cybersecurity domains, boasting over a decade of expertise. Developed a robust foundation in managing large-scale security operations, implementing technology risk management strategies, and leading cross-functional teams. Specializing in aligning technology solutions with business strategy, optimizing processes, and spearheading initiatives to mitigate risks and boost operational efficiency. Focused on leveraging cybersecurity knowledge to support strategic business decisions and drive digital transformation initiatives within a corporate setting. Thrives in team environments while excelling as an individual when tackling challenging work problems. Currently pursuing CISSP certification.
Overview
18
18
years of professional experience
2025
2025
years of post-secondary education
3
3
Certifications
Work History
Cybersecurity Analyst
Absa Bank Group Limited
01.2011 - Current
- Spearheaded the implementation of comprehensive cybersecurity strategies to ensure the confidentiality, integrity, and availability of all systems across Absa Bank group operations, align business operations with digital security measures to ensure operational continuity and reduce risk exposure.
- Lead and collaborate with cross-functional teams in the execution of digital transformation projects aimed at enhancing business operations through the integration of advanced security tools and frameworks.
- Collaborate with senior leadership to design and execute risk management strategies that supported the bank’s long-term strategic objectives and growth.
- Contribute to strategic decision-making by providing data-driven insights into risk mitigation and the business impact of cybersecurity threats.
- Manage cybersecurity initiatives aligned with global regulations and industry best practices, ensuring business compliance and operational resilience.
- Identify and assess strategic technology risks, working with business units to mitigate potential threats that could impact revenue generation and business reputation.
- Collaborate with stakeholders from IT, legal, compliance, and business units to develop tailored solutions that effectively address both strategic business and cybersecurity concerns.
- Lead post-incident reviews to enhance security protocols and increase resilience, ensuring alignment with broader digital transformation goals.
- Share adversaries insights with Threat hunting/intelligence team and collaborate on how to identify and nullify cyber threats/risks.
- Led the Barclays project to disable endpoint peripherals such as CD-ROMs, USB ports, and email monitoring across the entire Absa Bank Group in South Africa to mitigate data leakage risks.
- Developed and documented procedures, processes, and policies to proactively manage and monitor data leakage risks.
- Collaborate with executives, senior management, and risk representatives across various business areas to align cybersecurity initiatives with Absa Bank’s strategic objectives and enhance enterprise-wide awareness.
- Played a key leadership role in operationalizing Absa Bank’s post-divestiture strategy by formulating and implementing cybersecurity policies during the roll-out of new technologies.
- Led and collaborated with cross-functional teams to establish and implement Data Protection/Data Loss Prevention (DLP) policies across 13 African countries.
- Collaborate with senior management to ensure DLP policies were aligned with Absa Bank’s overall cybersecurity framework.
- Designed and delivered cybersecurity awareness programs and training sessions for key the whole organisation as part of a structured change management initiative.
- Successfully identified and resolved critical risks and challenges affecting project deliverables, particularly regarding compliance with varying regulatory requirements across multiple countries.
- Spearheaded the deployment of Microsoft’s E5 security suite (Defender, Azure, Sentinel SIEM, Purview, etc.) in collaboration with compliance teams, business units, and third-party vendors to strengthen cybersecurity resilience.
- Enabled automation and digital transformation of security controls and processes by leveraging machine learning (ML) and artificial intelligence (AI).
- Integrated advanced threat detection systems, reducing security incidents by 30% over two years and significantly enhancing organizational resilience.
- Collaboratively led cross-functional digital transformation strategies, facilitating the transition to a cloud-based security platform that improved operational efficiency and reduced operational costs by at least 15%.
IT Specialist
IBM South Africa
01.2009 - 01.2011
- Installed and configured Rational Requisite Pro, WebSphere Business Modeler Advanced V6.2, and integration plug-ins for the DOSS MINUS project.
- Integrated Rational RequisitePro with Microsoft Word, IBM WebSphere Business Modeler, and Rational Team Concert to minimize rework, improve collaboration, and streamline requirement analysis.
- Designed and modelled critical business processes for continuous improvement, adhering to BPMN standards.
- Integrated WebSphere Business Modeler with Crystal Reports, Microsoft Word, and PDF outputs.
- Prepared and managed the Requirements Management Plan, gathering requirements from business stakeholders through JAD sessions and informal meetings.
- Produced advanced reporting templates in WebSphere Business Modeler, enabling a collaborative environment for task management, version control, and reporting.
Business Process Management Consultant
Business Connexion
01.2007 - 01.2009
- Enhanced business process mapping (BPM) and people maturity (CMM Levels) as agreed upon by management, aligning processes with the organization's value chain.
- Ensured compliance with ISO, ITIL, Investors in People, and corporate governance standards such as Sarbanes Oxley and King IV.
- Managed and escalated client complaints within established time frames, providing consistent support.
- Part of EXCO meetings, offering insights and ensuring alignment with corporate strategies, objectives and regulations.
- Managed business process modeling, internal controls, quality assurance, and align with BPMN.
Education
Master of Business Administration (MBA) - The Influence of Cybersecurity on the Continuance Usage of Mobile Banking applications
University of Pretoria, Gordon Institute of Business Science (GIBS)
Postgraduate Diploma in General Management (PGDip) - undefined
University of Pretoria, Gordon Institute of Business Science (GIBS)
Certificate: Artificial Intelligence - Implications for Business Strategy - undefined
Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) Sloan Management School
Bachelor of Commerce Honours - Logistics
University of South Africa (Unisa)
Programme in Total Quality Management (TQM) - undefined
University of South Africa (Unisa)
Bachelor of Commerce - Marketing Management
University of South Africa (Unisa)
Skills
Strategic Thinking & Execution
undefinedCertification
Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP), In-progress
Professional Development
- Advanced Cybersecurity Training: Extensive practical training in cyber threats (social engineering, viruses, malware, ransomware) analysis, incident response, and endpoint protection.
- Leadership and Management: Postgraduate coursework in management and strategy, equipping me with skills to lead and support cybersecurity initiatives within organisations.
Timeline
Cybersecurity Analyst
Absa Bank Group Limited
01.2011 - Current
IT Specialist
IBM South Africa
01.2009 - 01.2011
Business Process Management Consultant
Business Connexion
01.2007 - 01.2009
Postgraduate Diploma in General Management (PGDip) - undefined
University of Pretoria, Gordon Institute of Business Science (GIBS)
Certificate: Artificial Intelligence - Implications for Business Strategy - undefined
Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) Sloan Management School
Bachelor of Commerce Honours - Logistics
University of South Africa (Unisa)
Programme in Total Quality Management (TQM) - undefined
University of South Africa (Unisa)
Bachelor of Commerce - Marketing Management
University of South Africa (Unisa)
Master of Business Administration (MBA) - The Influence of Cybersecurity on the Continuance Usage of Mobile Banking applications
University of Pretoria, Gordon Institute of Business Science (GIBS)
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