By Thandiwe Matsenjwa
MBABANE – About 28 companies were honoured with certificates for registering under the Data Protection Act.
The event, held at Mountain View Hotel on Wednesday (July 24, 2024), saw the Eswatini Communications Commission (ESCCOM) recognizing these companies for their commitment to safeguarding customer information and maintaining confidentiality.
The Data Protection Act, aimed at preventing unlawful usage and unauthorized exposure of public information, empowers ESCCOM to enforce strict measures to preserve the confidentiality of sensitive data.
Chief Executive Officer (CEO), Mvilawemphi Dlamini, emphasized the importance of timely registration under the Act before the upcoming deadline on September 30, 2024.
“We urge all companies who are yet to register for the Data Protection Act to swiftly do so before the deadline. With that being said, Emaswati should help in helping other to register their companies to avoid breaking the law in the future by revealing confidential information. Our Act says, he who has confidential data must keep it with caution, making sure that no data is leaked,” he said.
Echoing these sentiments, Sphamandla Dlamini from the Information Technology (IT) department expressed gratitude on behalf of the companies and assured diligent efforts in upholding data security.
“We have safeguarded and protected the data. There will be no scenario where public data is now being exposed and being illegally distributed. We are looking forward to partnering with ESCCOM to help and guide us through the process,” he reflected.
ESCCOM has sternly warned of penalties for companies found guilty of illegally distributing individuals’ data, reinforcing the commitment to upholding data privacy laws.
This development marks a significant step towards enhancing data protection measures and fostering a culture of responsible data management among businesses in Eswatini. The awarding of data protection certificates underscores the essential role of regulatory compliance in ensuring the security and integrity of sensitive information in today’s digital age.
