We often hear complaints about the additional red tape that compliance with the Protection of Personal Information Act, 2013 (POPI) will impose on business. Although compliance will be a continual process, it should not be viewed as an impractical or overly burdensome task. POPI is not aimed at restricting business and should be applied practically.

After much anticipation, an important milestone in the road to commencement of the Protection of Personal Information Act, 2013 (POPI), has been reached. From 11 April 2014, the following sections of POPI are operational:

  • Section 1, which contains the definitions and sets out the purpose of POPI;
  • Part A of Chapter 5 (sections 39 to