Khululekane Collen Simelane

Highly experienced ICT Specialist and Network, Infrastructure & Security Engineer with over 8 years of experience delivering enterprise-grade LAN/WAN/WLAN, P2P/P2MP, cloud, and infrastructure services within government and corporate environments. Extensive experience in enterprise networking, network security, VPN technologies, routing and switching, secure network design, and ITIL-based service delivery. Proven ability to collaborate with cybersecurity teams in implementing and supporting Fortinet security solutions, including firewall administration, VPN technologies, security policy enforcement, and incident response.

Experienced in working alongside Microsoft infrastructure teams to support Microsoft Azure cloud environments, including Azure Virtual Networks, Virtual Machines, Azure Active Directory, hybrid connectivity, and cloud infrastructure operations. Strong background in leading technical projects, optimizing network performance, and delivering secure, highly available enterprise infrastructure. Supported by industry certifications in Cybersecurity, Network Security, Datacom, and Cloud Computing, with a continued focus on advancing expertise in enterprise networking, cloud technologies, and cyber security.

Network Engineer at Gauteng Department of e-Government (2021-04 – Present)

• Maintain and support LAN/WAN infrastructure across multiple government departments.
• Translate business requirements into technical solutions for all departments and agencies.
• Conduct site surveys and review GBN/GPN project design documentation.
• Configure and maintain Cisco, Huawei, and HP switches and routers.
• Implement routing protocols and perform firmware upgrades.
• Monitor network performance, resolve connectivity issues, and ensure high service uptime.
• Enforce ITIL processes and manage protocol services across the environment.
• Provide support for remote and distributed sites across GPG.
• Enhance documentation, licensing compliance, and network user access controls.
• Collaborate with the Information Security team to implement and support Fortinet firewalls, VPN services, security policies, and incident response activities.
• Work with the Microsoft Infrastructure team to support Microsoft Azure cloud services, including Azure Virtual Networks, Virtual Machines, Azure Active Directory, and hybrid cloud connectivity.
• Participate in cloud and cybersecurity projects to improve infrastructure resilience, performance, and security.
• Serve as the Technical Lead for the GPN Project, overseeing technical planning, solution validation, stakeholder coordination, and alignment with provincial network architecture standards.
• Participate in community engagements during site build processes, engaging local communities, contractors, and other stakeholders to ensure successful project delivery.

NOC Engineer at SARS (2020-10 – 2021-03)

• Monitored WAN links and core enterprise Cisco network infrastructure.
• Handled 1st–3rd line network incidents and outages.
• Cisco Prime and Meraki used for network visibility and Wi-Fi monitoring.
• Logged faults, coordinated incident resolution, and ensured service continuity.

NOC Engineer (Contract) at Sizwe Africa IT Group at SARS (2020-02 – 2020-10)

• Delivered 24/7 network monitoring and service assurance.
• I identified, logged, and resolved network faults and ERP-related issues.
• Monitored network access points and enterprise NMS tools.

Network Engineer (Intern/Contract) at Gauteng Department of e-Government (2016-11 – 2018-10)

• Configured Cisco routers and switches across government departments.
• Provided LAN/WAN installation and upgrade support.
• Assisted departments with network connectivity, troubleshooting, and quality assurance.

BCom in Information Technology Management – Mancosa (2025)

National Diploma in Electrical Engineering – Tshwane University of Technology (2015)