The Protection of Personal Information Act (POPIA) came into effect on 1 July 2020. POPIA governs the law of data protection and privacy in South Africa. The act was passed to regulate the right to privacy, as enshrined by section 14 of the Constitution of South Africa, and would work in conjunction with the Promotion of Access to Information Act. As part of the regulation a new government agency was created, the Information Regulator, an independent body which is empowered to monitor and enforce compliance of the POPIA within the public and private sector.

Penalties under the Act includes fines of up to R10 million or imprisonment of up to 10 years.

021 Legal Consulting assists business owners in taking away the stress of having to stay ahead with the latest legislation like POPIA and will assist you with understanding the core obligations relating to said Act, because the Act designates the head of the business as the Information Officer and therefore as owner it is important to find out the meaning of phrases like:

• how to determine the purpose of processing personal information in a lawful manner;
• what is understood as falling under the meaning of duties and tasks of an Information Officer.

021 Legal Consulting can explain the above and provide the following:

• training explaining the Act's effect on your business;
• registering the Information Officer of the business;
• assistance in drafting a POPIA Guideline Manual;
• assistance in drafting an Information Manual (PAIA Manual);
• guidance and information on any changes / updates to the Act.