By Phiwa Sikhondze
The Eswatini Communications Commission (ESCCOM), through its role as the Eswatini Data Protection Authority (EDPA), is commemorating Data Protection Week 2025 from January 22 to January 28.
According to a statement by ESCCOM’s Chief Executive, Mvilawemphi Dlamini, the week-long observance will culminate in a conference at the Happy Valley Hotel on January 28, marking the global Data Protection Day.
This year’s theme, “Whose Data Is It Anyway?” seeks to provoke thought and dialogue on the ownership and control of personal data. The theme addresses a critical question: who truly owns the data shared between individuals and organizations in their roles as data subjects, controllers, and processors?
The passing of the Data Protection Act in 2022 marked a historic moment for Eswatini, aligning the Kingdom with global standards on data privacy. As the designated Data Protection Authority, the EDPA shoulders the responsibility of ensuring compliance with the Act, safeguarding personal information, and promoting the right to privacy.
Data Protection Day is observed globally every January 28 to commemorate the anniversary of the Council of Europe’s Convention 108 on the Protection of Personal Information. First opened for signature in 1981, the convention is the first legally binding international treaty on data protection.
The CE stated that since the EDPA’s establishment, Eswatini has actively participated in Data Protection Day by raising awareness of personal data protection through various activities.
He further revealed that the week-long commemoration will feature a mix of public engagements, webinars, and campaigns designed to educate citizens and encourage compliance with data protection laws.
“The highlight of the week will be the Data Protection Day conference on January 28 at the Happy Valley Hotel. Esteemed speakers and panelists will tackle the complexities of data ownership and control, a topic that has sparked debate even at the global level.”
The Commission emphasized that protecting personal data is not just the responsibility of organizations but a shared obligation that empowers individuals to safeguard their information.
“As we commence the data protection week, we urge everyone to look out for our planned awareness campaigns that will be shared on all media platforms including ESCCOM social media,” Dlamini noted.