BY MFANUFIKILE KHATHWANE
EZULWINI- Eswatini Communications Commission (ESCCOM) Chief Executive Officer Mvilawemphi Dlamini says protecting personal data is no longer a regulatory issue but a national responsibility that requires decisive leadership across government, business, and society.
The Chief Executive Officer was Speaking at the Data Protection Day 2026 commemoration held at Sibanesami Hotel, emphasize that Eswatini digital future depends on strong leadership to address risks related to data misuse, cyber threats, and privacy violations.
He stressed that while Eswatini has made significant legislative progress through the Constitution Act of 2025 and the Data Protection Act of 2022, the effectiveness of these laws relies heavily on leadership commitment and institutional culture.
“Laws alone will not protect personal data. Leadership must set the standard and ensure that privacy is embedded in how organisations operate, make decisions, and serve the public,” said Mvilawemphi Dlamini.
He highlighted that 510 Data Controllers and Data Processors are now registered and compliant under the Eswatini Data Protection Authority (EDPA), demonstrating a strong national commitment to data protection.
Mvilawemphi Dlamini further noted that EDPA’s nationwide awareness campaigns, capacity-building initiatives for Data Protection Officers, and benchmarking with international regulators are helping Eswatini align with global best practices. He said these efforts are strengthening trust, promoting accountability, and preparing the country to compete in the digital economy.
He also pointed to Eswatini’s membership in the Global Privacy Assembly (GPA) as a milestone that positions the Kingdom among leading global data protection jurisdictions, enabling engagement with international experts and adoption of emerging best practices in areas such as artificial intelligence, cross-border data flows, and digital privacy.
However, Mvilawemphi Dlamini cautioned that sustaining progress requires adequate funding and support, highlighting that EDPA currently operates without dedicated resources. He called on government and sector leaders to prioritize data privacy not as a compliance obligation but as a strategic governance issue, critical to economic growth, investor confidence, and citizen trust.
He said strong leadership is also vital to ensure that the principles of data protection reach every level of society—from government institutions and businesses to schools, churches, and ordinary citizens.
Mvilawemphi Dlamini acknowledged the generous support of the following partners who contributed to the success of the event and other EDPA programmes: Computronics, First National Bank, Nedbank, Eswatini Bank, Institute of Development Management (IDM), Eswatini Water Services Corporation, FINCORP, NAMBOARD, Romer Services, ESRIC, SNAT Cooperative, and NETCOMM. He said such collaboration is critical to cultivating a culture of data privacy and safeguarding Eswatini’s digital future.
The event, hosted by the Ministry of Information, Communications and Technology in partnership with ESCCOM, brought together policymakers, CEOs, board members, civil society, and consumers to reaffirm Eswatini’s commitment to safeguarding the rights and privacy of all data subjects.
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