POPI Act: The new compliance revolution

There is no hiding place anymore for South African businesses big and small as enforcement of the Protection of Personal Information (POPI) Act (POPIA) commences on the 31^st of March 2021.

The scope of POPI is far-reaching which, in effect, applies to all business within the Republic. Businesses that don’t comply with the POPI Act, regardless of whether it’s intentional or accidental, can face severe civil and criminal sanctions. The act makes provision for fines of up to R10 million and a jail sentence of up to 10 years, depending on the seriousness of the breach.

Compliance with POPIA will be mandatory for the processing of information. Processing of information pertains to collection, use, sharing, retention, storing, deleting and storing of information relating to employees, clients, contractors and third parties.

Compliance with the act will take the form of the formal appointment of various officers, drafting and implementation of a number of policies and formal training.

 The offices of Burden Swart & Botha Incorporated are equipped and enthusiastic to assist you and your business in POPI compliance.

Contact our offices at info@aburden.co.za or Cody Kinsella at 012 346 3554.