BSides Joburg 2026

BSides Joburg is a volunteer run community-led event which aims to provide a platform for the exchange of knowledge and ideas in cybersecurity.

We actively promote education, networking, and collaboration amount professionals and enthusiasts in Johannesburg. You can expect a day filled with talks from the community from technical deep dives into vulnerabilities, research, and talks about new emerging threats, vulnerabilities and approaches.

Whether you are a seasoned expert or new to the cybersecurity community, there will be something for everyone.

You can view recordings of previous talks here: https://www.youtube.com/@BSidesJoburg

Tickets

Our event has the following ticket types:

CORPORATE TICKETS: For companies looking to send their staff to BSides Joburg

STANDARD TICKETS: If you are attending in your personal capacity

STUDENT TICKETS: These are our lowest-priced tickets, and are there for enrolled high school or university students. Verification will be conducted.

Please note that ticket will be released in batches. The first early bird batch will be the cheapest batch of tickets and every subsequent batch will be more expensive then the previous batch. This is to encourage people to buy tickets early. Note that in order to get swag at the event, you need to purchase a ticket in the first 2 batches or before 21 May 2026, depending on which one comes first. If you are a student or someone who would like to attend but are unable to afford a ticket, please reach out to us at organizers [at] bsidesjoburg.co.za.

Please note that we do not cater for strictly halaal or kosher meals due to the costs involved with this from our venue. If you need such catering, please make alternative arrangements.

Our Theme - Light The Way

Our theme this year is “Light The Way” which speaks to the importance of guidance, clarity, and leadership in a field that is constantly evolving. Technology can sometimes feel overwhelming, with hidden vulnerabilities and emerging threats creating moments of uncertainty and darkness. In those moments, we rely on people who shine a light on the path ahead to those who share knowledge, challenge assumptions, and help others see what might otherwise remain hidden. This theme celebrates the individuals and ideas that act as a beacon for others, reminding us that even a small light can help illuminate the way forward.

Call for Speakers / Villages / Volunteers

There are few ways to participate in our event.

• If you would like to speak at our event, you can submit to our call for Papers: https://pretalx.com/bsides-joburg-2026
• If you would like to run a village, you can complete our village form: https://forms.gle/H6PxtL2MuoVFaxwUA
• If you would like to volunteer at our event, you can apply on our volunteer form: https://forms.gle/5AxJTyqesNx2UHs96
• If you would like to sponsor our event, you can reach out to us at sponsors [at] bsidesjoburg.co.za

Community Contributions / Donations:

For the inception of BSides Joburg, we are moving away from a Rite of Passage model to a community contribution model. These community contributions will help us offset the cost of the event and enable us to serve the community better. The funds in community contributions will be used to facilitate community activities as well as helping out those in need. This could include sponsoring tickets for those who can not afford a ticket, sponsoring certifications for those in need or helping other community activities or initiatives.

The organisers reserve the right to refuse admittance or remove any person, without entitlement to a refund, from the event if deemed appropriate for valid reasons which includes the violation of our code of conduct.