In a recent article published by The Conversation, titled “South Africa’s privacy laws are evolving, but vulnerable people are being left behind,” Sol Plaatje University lecturer Mr Phumezo Ntlatywa explores how South Africa’s privacy landscape is changing and why stronger protections are needed for those most vulnerable to data misuse and privacy breaches.
The article highlights that while the Protection of Personal Information Act (POPIA) has strengthened privacy rights and accountability, certain groups, including older adults, children, low-income communities and small community organisations, remain disproportionately exposed to privacy risks. It further reveals that much of South Africa’s privacy research focuses on legal compliance and cybersecurity, with less attention given to the lived experiences of vulnerable communities.
Ntlatywa argues that privacy protection must go beyond legislation and technical safeguards to include greater public awareness, digital literacy and more inclusive approaches that reflect the realities of all South Africans.
Read the full article here: https://theconversation.com/south-africas-privacy-laws-are-evolving-but-vulnerable-people-are-being-left-behind-282439
Following the publication of the article, Ntlatywa spoke to Radio 786 on its programme The Soundbyte, hosted by Khalil Kathraa, where he reflected on his research findings and discussed the challenges and opportunities surrounding privacy protection in South Africa. Click below to listen to the interview.
