BY MFANUFIKILE KHATHWANE
EZULWINI— The Eswatini Data Protection Authority (EDPA) is making strides in strengthening data privacy and accountability through a recent certification event for Data Protection Officers (DPOs) from across the country.
The event, held under the theme “Empowering Champions to Protect Data”, forms part of the ongoing Data Protection Week commemorations.
Delivering remarks on behalf of the Commission, Acting Eswatini Communications Commission (ESCCOM) Chief Executive Officer, Ozzie Thakatha, described the event as a crucial step in building a strong and sustainable culture of data protection in Eswatini.
Held on Wednesday, 21 January 2026, at the ESCCOM Head Office in Ezulwini, the event brought together DPOs from both public and private sectors to enhance capacity, compliance, and accountability in data governance.
Thakatha emphasised that organisations must move beyond treating data protection as a mere statutory formality.
“It is no longer sufficient for organisations to appoint Data Protection Officers simply to tick a statutory box,” he said. “What is required are empowered DPOs — individuals who are knowledgeable, independent, properly resourced, and positioned to influence decision-making within their institutions.”
He described empowered DPOs as strategic partners rather than afterthoughts, noting that their role is central to embedding privacy and data protection into daily organisational operations. Such empowerment enables organisations to anticipate and manage privacy risks proactively rather than reacting after breaches occur.
The Acting CEO revealed that the Commission continues to receive complaints regarding data protection breaches, some of which have required enforcement notices in line with the law. However, he stressed that enforcement is not the Authority’s preferred approach.
“Our goal is not to punish, but to promote a culture of compliance, accountability and respect for the rights of data subjects,” Thakatha said. “Prevention will always be better than enforcement, and prevention begins with capable and confident Data Protection Officers who are supported by organisational leadership.”
He urged DPOs attending the event to actively engage, share experiences, and make full use of the platform to strengthen their understanding of data protection obligations. According to Thakatha, empowered DPOs contribute to stronger organisational compliance, increased public trust, and improved protection of citizens’ personal information.
The Commission also expressed appreciation to organisations that partnered with EDPA to support the event and other Data Protection Week activities. Key partners included:
- Computronics
- First National Bank
- Nedbank
- Eswatini Bank
- Institute of Development Management (IDM)
- Eswatini Water Services Corporation
- FINCORP
- NAMBOARD
- Romer Services
Thakatha said the partnerships demonstrated a shared commitment to responsible data governance and underscored that data protection is a collective responsibility across both public and private sectors.
In closing, he reaffirmed ESCCOM’s commitment to working collaboratively with DPOs, describing them as champions of accountability, trust, and good governance.
“Together, we can build a strong privacy culture that supports innovation while safeguarding the fundamental rights of the people of Eswatini,” he concluded.
The certification event marks a positive step forward in promoting digital trust, reinforcing that empowered data officers are key to securing Eswatini’s personal information and building confidence in the country’s evolving digital landscape.
#DataProtectionWeek #DataProtection #PrivacyRights #DigitalTrust #GoodGovernance
