Parliament has appointed Unathi Thosago as its new chief information officer, marking a key development in the institution’s efforts to address escalating technological and security requirements.
According to Bizcommunity, Thosago takes charge of Parliament’s information and communications technology framework during a period when cyber risks, system reliability, and digital accessibility have grown essential to the operation of democratic bodies in South Africa. With over 20 years in technology leadership roles across sectors including financial services, pharmaceuticals, agriculture, and insurance, she is expected to evolve Parliament’s digital infrastructure from routine support functions into a secure platform that supports legislative activities, promotes institutional openness, and enhances citizen involvement.
The appointment, facilitated through a senior executive recruitment process by Revolution Human Capital, underscores a shift in viewing technology leadership as a strategic imperative rather than a technical support role. Nonkululo Maqungo, chief executive of the firm, noted that the position now resides at the intersection of institutional trust, shaped by persistent cyber threats and increasing demands for transparency and access from the public.
Thosago’s priorities include fortifying the connection between Parliament and citizens via robust, user-friendly digital systems, while safeguarding the integrity of parliamentary operations and advancing participation. This approach aligns with broader modernisation goals to ensure secure lawmaking processes and greater public engagement.
The move comes amid heightened focus on cybersecurity across South African institutions. South Africa’s cybersecurity market, valued at approximately $0.26 billion in 2024, is projected to reach $0.49 billion by 2029, reflecting rapid expansion driven by digital growth, rising internet penetration, and the need to protect critical infrastructure. Government efforts have included elevating cybersecurity to a national priority, with recent policy updates strengthening obligations for platforms on breach notifications, security-by-design principles, and user protections under frameworks such as the Cybercrimes Act and related regulations.
As reported by ITWeb, Thosago’s role involves transforming Parliament’s digital setup into an active facilitator of democratic enablement, particularly as cyber incidents continue to challenge public sector entities. Africa-wide trends indicate a widening attack surface due to leapfrogging digital adoption, with threats like SIM-swap fraud costing South Africa over R5 billion annually and AI-generated deceptions emerging as a fast-growing concern. Managed security services are increasingly relied upon to bridge talent shortages, with over 200,000 unfilled cybersecurity positions on the continent.
Parliament’s decision reflects recognition that effective technology governance directly influences democratic accountability and operational resilience. In a context where public sector digital transformation lags behind private sector advances, appointing experienced leaders like Thosago signals intent to build institutional capacity against evolving risks.
According to CIO South Africa, Thosago brings a proven executive background that positions her to drive these changes, contributing to Parliament’s aim of maintaining digital sovereignty while adapting to modern governance demands. The appointment is seen as a step towards reinforcing public sector technology leadership, ensuring systems remain secure and capable of supporting effective legislative functions and citizen interaction in an increasingly connected environment.