South Africa has taken significant strides in promoting accountability in the public sector for information security compliance. The Protection of Personal Information Act (POPIA) and Promotion of Access to Information Act (PAIA) continue to be a major focus for the Information Regulator. However, the Department of Public Service Administration’s (DPSA) Directive on Public Service Information Security and the Corporate Governance of ICT Policy Framework (CGICTPF) also forms part of the accountability conversation. By enforcing strict regulations and setting clear expectations, the government aims to create a data protection environment that protects citizens’ privacy and ensures transparency.

The importance of information security compliance

By holding public sector bodies accountable for information security compliance, the South African government aims to protect not just citizens’ personal information, but also other types of information that are vital for South Africa’s security and development efforts.

“The public sector must take information security seriously, as it impacts the trust and confidence citizens place in their government.”

Consequences of non-compliance

Failure to comply with POPIA and PAIA can lead to severe consequences. Public sector bodies can face significant fines, reputational damage, and loss of public trust. In terms of sections 16A and 16B of the Public Service Act (PSA), there are also serious consequences for department heads and public sector employees that fail to comply with the DPSA’s directives. The most serious consequence is the termination of employment.

Recently, we have also seen the Information Regulator issue enforcement notices to public sector institutions. For example, SAPS and the Department of Justice and Constitutional Development. This should make it clear to department heads that regulatory tolerance for non-compliance with South Africa’s information laws is fading fast.

Enforcing accountability

Government officials can take several steps to ensure information security compliance:

  1. Regular audits: Conduct regular audits of public sector bodies to assess their compliance with POPIA, PAIA, and the DPSA’s directives. Further allowing the discovery of areas for improvement and providing corrective action plans.
  2. Monitoring: Implement robust monitoring systems to track compliance levels, detect potential breaches, and address them quickly.
  3. Reporting requirements: Establish clear reporting guidelines and ensure that public sector bodies submit regular compliance reports to relevant authorities in terms of the CGICTPF.

Recommendations for effective enforcement

  • Clear expectations and consequences: Set clear compliance expectations and penalties for non-compliance. As a result, this helps establish a strong deterrent against lax data protection practices.
  • Resources and training: Provide enough resources and training to public sector employees. This will equip them with the knowledge and skills to ensure compliance with data protection laws.
  • Leveraging technology: Utilise advanced technology to improve compliance monitoring and reporting. Enabling government officials to detect and address non-compliance more easily.

“By setting clear expectations and providing the necessary resources, the government can create a culture of compliance within the public sector.”

Actions you can take next

Empower your public service body to excel in information security compliance by:

With these steps in place, public sector bodies in South Africa can achieve information security compliance and build a foundation of trust with the citizens they serve.