By Phiwa Sikhondze
Eswatini Communications Commission’s (ESCCOM) Chief Executive (CE), Mvilawemphi Dlamini has urged businesses, government entities, and individuals to prioritize data privacy and accountability in the digital age.
Dlamini disclosed this during the commemoration of Data Protection Day hosted by ESCCOM as Eswatini’s Data Protection Authority (EDPA).
The event held at the Happy Valley Hotel in Ezulwini under the theme “Whose Data Is It Anyway?” saw the CE emphasizing the critical importance of safeguarding personal data in order to uphold human dignity and promote fairness in an increasingly digitized world.
“We must recognize that data protection is not just about safeguarding information; it is about protecting human dignity and ensuring fairness in the digital era,” he said, addressing an audience of stakeholders from government, the private sector, and global organizations.
The event brought together notable attendees, including the Minister of ICT – Savannah Maziya, representatives from global technology giants such as Meta, and panelists from the legal, insurance, and technology sectors. Discussions focused on the complexities surrounding data ownership, the rights of data subjects, and the shared responsibility required to safeguard privacy.
The Minister of ICT, in her speech, underscored the government’s commitment to data privacy, highlighting how Eswatini’s legislative framework is designed to protect citizens in an increasingly interconnected world.
“It was in 2022 that the Data Protection Act was enacted into law, marking the beginning of a new chapter for Eswatini,” the Minister said. “Before this Act, we had never paused to honor a day like today. Yet, here we are, joining the global community to celebrate data protection as a vital element of trust and accountability in a digital world.”
She also underscored key developments since the Act’s passage, including the establishment of the EDPA in January 2023. The EDPA has become a crucial regulatory body, overseeing how personal data is processed, stored, and transferred, positioning Eswatini as a leader in the region.
In his address, the Chief Executive of the EDPA detailed significant progress since the enactment of the Data Protection Act, including the registration of data controllers and processors, the investigation of data breaches, and the ongoing public education campaigns aimed at raising awareness of the rights of data subjects.
“The processing of personal data is a legal responsibility that requires compliance with the law. Organizations that fail to register as data controllers and processors undermine public trust and violate the law,” Dlamini stated.
Panel discussions at the event delved into pressing issues such as consent, transparency, and the challenges posed by emerging technologies. The event also served as a platform to showcase the EDPA’s international engagements, including its active participation in the African Union’s Malabo Convention and the African Data Protection Authorities Network.
The CE concluded his address by reaffirming the EDPA’s commitment to fostering collaboration and ensuring Eswatini’s alignment with international best practices in data protection.
“Together, we can ensure that data protection becomes a shared commitment for all. A big thank you to all the entities that have registered as Data Controllers and Processors. For those who have not yet heeded the call to register, please do so before it is too late—singaze sikhamane,” Dlamini concluded.