Gilchrist Mushwana

Experience

Gilchrist Mushwana is a seasoned technology and cybersecurity executive with over 20 years of experience in cybersecurity, IT governance, system integration, digital transformation, management consulting, compliance management, forensic investigation, and technology strategy. As Director and Head of Cybersecurity at BDO South Africa, he has successfully built and scaled the service line, advised high-profile clients across critical and non-infrastructure, financial services, mining, telecommunications, and public sectors, and led major strategic initiatives focused on resilience, security, and innovation.

Gilchrist holds two Master's degrees and multiple postgraduate qualifications, including a BSc in Computer Science, combining a strong academic foundation with deep practical expertise. Gilchrist is completing his PhD in Cybersecurity, developing a practical framework for cyber risk management. His core skills include cybersecurity strategy and testing, cyber risk assessment and quantification, regulatory compliance (NIST, ISO 27001, CIS, ISF, POPIA, GDPR, DORA), IT governance, threat management, offensive and application testing, emerging technology security assessments, third-party risk management, incident response, data security and privacy, forensic investigations, fraud risk management, incident response, digital forensics, data analytics, AML, intelligence analysis, investigation management, case management, risk analysis and management,   and digital risk advisory. He has extensive experience working with national standards, international frameworks, and emerging technologies to strengthen organisational resilience.

Known for his people-centred leadership style, strong analytical thinking, and ability to bridge executive vision with technical execution, Gilchrist is passionate about helping organisations thrive in complex, rapidly changing environments. He brings a strategic mindset, operational excellence, and a commitment to building sustainable, technology-driven growth.

Qualifications

• Bsc Computer Science
• Bsc IT Honors
• Postgraduate in Forensic Accounting
• Masters in Fraud Risk Management
• Masters in Applied Ethics
• PhD Cybersecurity ( Current)