By Jonathan Mbiriyamveka
In a first for Zimbabwe and Sub-Saharan Africa, a total of 57 data controllers have graduated as Certified Data Protection Officers.
This follows a rigorous two-week training course they went through at the Harare Institute of Technology in collaboration with Postal and Telecommunications Regulatory Authority of Zimbabwe.
In 2021, the Government designated POTRAZ as the Data Protection Authority and tasked the authority to develop and implement a regulatory framework for data protection.
POTRAZ Director General Dr Gift Machengete said the inaugural graduation would become the cornerstone in Zimbabwe’s data protection landscape.
“This is a day of firsts—our inaugural graduation in a program designed to address the critical need for robust data protection mechanisms in our digital era.
“This achievement represents a significant milestone in our journey towards establishing a formidable framework for data protection in Zimbabwe,” Dr Machengete said.
He said the 57 new Data Protection Officers who emerged from the inaugural class within just 12 months of curriculum development was testament to the dedication and foresight of everyone involved.
POTRAZ director data protection unit, Ms Tsitsi Mariwo said they believed that through the training, the DPOs mastered the art, agility, resilience and technical shrewdness required for one to competently confront the complexities rampant in the data industry.
“Esteemed DPOs, the real work starts after this ceremony as you guide data controllers on the path of compliance with the Act.
“We have confidence in your abilities to effectively carry out your roles as data protection champions,” Ms Mariwo said.
The partnership between POTRAZ and HIT has been instrumental in creating a world-class training program that aligns with both national and international standards.
Harare Institute of Technology Vice Chancellor Professor Engineer Quinton Chamunorwa Kanhukamwe thanked the Technical committee and facilitators from both organisations—HIT and POTRAZ—whose expertise and guidance were instrumental in shaping the course.
“Your dedication to drafting the regulations, teaching, and mentoring has provided our graduates with a solid foundation to build,” Professor Kanhukamwe.
The trained DPOs were drawn from the following organisations: POTRAZ, Securities Exchange Control of Zimbabwe, Standards Association of Zimbabwe. Zimbabwe Revenue Authority, National Social Security Authority, Zimbabwe Electricity Transmission and Distribution Company, ECONET, Post Office Savings Bank, Stanbic, Cresta, Law firms and Individuals.
About Author
