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Professional Experience

15+ years from onsite support to security automation.

Cyber Security Specialist

South African Reserve Bank · Pretoria, Gauteng

Mar 2026 – Present

  • Lead enterprise security automation transformation, architecting an integrated platform connecting SailPoint identity orchestration, Microsoft Entra ID, Active Directory, Silverfort risk-based authentication, and BeyondTrust Privileged Access Management.
  • Built a PowerShell data pipeline consolidating Active Directory, Tenable, BeyondTrust, and Silverfort into Power BI, refactored into a shared module with configuration validation, structured logging, and secret externalisation.
  • Delivered an AD service-account recertification control (PowerShell, SharePoint, Power Automate, Power Apps, Power BI) with idempotent sync, a 4-stage owner-notification ladder, and auto-disable; caught 4 release-blocking defects in formal spec review.
  • Automated conversion of an AD security assessment into a governed Azure DevOps backlog via a resumable REST API importer with validate/dry-run/rollback modes; authored the department's Azure DevOps wiki guide.
  • Built an Azure Arc patch-compliance pipeline into Microsoft Fabric (Resource Graph → Lakehouse), designing a 6-table history-preserving model and root-causing a silent row-duplication defect.
  • Power Apps workflow automation for service-account lifecycle management across 1,000+ accounts; Power BI CSO visibility dashboard; PowerShell certificate lifecycle automation; risk-based vulnerability management with Tenable.

Jan 2026 – Feb 2026

  • Supported ISO 27001 and SOC 2 compliance activities with evidence coordination and audit readiness in Vanta.
  • Reviewed customer security requirements and supported responses to security questionnaires.
  • Built and deployed a cloud-native CMDB on Microsoft Azure for infrastructure visibility.
  • Operated Azure production and AKS environments with Terraform infrastructure-as-code.

May 2021 – Dec 2025

  • Led migration of 8,000+ Windows Servers to Azure Arc.
  • Increased patch success rate from 69% to 95% through automation and process refinement.
  • Designed and led quarterly patching sessions for 800+ stakeholders, including CIOs.
  • Member of ABSA's Patching Council; integrated Broadcom UIM with ServiceNow.
  • Supported 20+ internal and customer-facing apps, including ABSA Rewards.
  • Received the ABSA 2022 Grand-Prize Kudos Award (recognition trip to Mauritius).

Nov 2019 – Apr 2021

  • Migrated on-premises AD to Microsoft Entra ID; transitioned G Suite to Microsoft 365.
  • Implemented ISO 27001 and performed annual compliance reviews.
  • Architected and deployed enterprise financial applications for client-facing projects.
  • Used ServiceNow GRC/IRM to support risk and control workflows, evidence management, and remediation tracking.

May 2015 – Oct 2019

  • Led migration to Microsoft Azure and Microsoft 365, saving ZAR 1.2 million annually.
  • Built organisation-wide DR/BCP strategy and managed endpoint security and patch compliance.
  • Deployed VPNs, firewalls, and multi-site network infrastructure for a distributed workforce.

Jul 2014 – Apr 2015

  • Installed and secured Windows networks for SME clients and removed malware and ransomware threats.
  • Improved service levels through proactive onsite maintenance and client education.

Dec 2012 – Jun 2014

  • Supported broadband, hosting, and VoIP clients across multiple digital channels.
  • Handled 50+ daily tickets while maintaining high customer satisfaction scores.

Jan 2011 – Nov 2012

  • Installed Wi-Fi infrastructure serving 500+ students at Buhle student accommodation.
  • Launched buhlestudenthouses.co.za, fiberroofing.com, and fiberthatchguide.com; maintained Linux servers, backups, and security routines.