Joel Cedras

I’m studying computer science at Stellenbosch University, with a strong interest in how technology affects real people and systems. In 2024 I uncovered fraud and security weaknesses in South Africa’s SASSA SRD grant system, which led to national attention and engagement with Parliament.

Since then I’ve worked across cybersecurity, fraud prevention, software development and general IT: internships at Capitec, development and security work with GroundUp, and digital infrastructure for nonprofits and small organisations. Penetration testing, API testing, SQL, fraud analysis, Linux servers, Django, cloud services, Microsoft 365, Azure, web development.

I’ve also contributed to public-interest investigations covering SASSA fraud, RICA compliance, data breaches, and weaknesses in South African financial and identity systems. In 2025 I was named one of Mail & Guardian’s 200 Young South Africans in the Editor’s Choice category.

I like the thought of South African systems being safe from attacks.