Parliament has invited the public to nominate four people for the President to appoint as members of the information regulator. Do you want to nominate someone? Do you know anyone who might want to nominate someone? Finding the right members is important to ensure we have an effective regulator. If you want to nominate someone, you must do so by Monday, 30 August 2021.

The President appointed four of the current members of the regulator on 1 December 2016 for a five-year term, which means that their first term will end this year on 1 December 2021. The four people are Adv Pansy Tlakula as the chair, Adv Cordelia Stroom, and Mr. Johannes Weapond as full-time members, and Professor Sizwe Lindelo Snail ka Mtuze as a part-time member. Parliament can reappoint each of these people for a further five-year term until 1 December 2026 (section 41(3) of POPIA). But Parliament can also appoint other people to replace the current members. We are not sure whether the current members have indicated whether they wish the President to reappoint them as members of the regulator. The President appointed Ms Alison Tilley with effect from 1 December 2020. We don’t know how long she was appointed for but it could be for up to five years.

In line with SDG 16 we want the information regulator to be a strong institution.

People have asked whether they can nominate us, but we’re not accepting nominations. We are passionate about protecting people from harm by protecting their personal information, but we believe we can currently make a greater contribution by helping organisations practically and effectively comply with data protection laws.

Who can be a member of the information regulator?

According to section 41 of POPIA, a member of the information regulator must be:

  • a South African citizen
  • appropriately qualified
  • fit and proper, and
  • have expertise and experience relating to the objects of the Regulator.

At least one member must have experience as a:

  • practising advocate or attorney, or
  • professor of law at a university.

How to submit a nomination

You can email your nomination to Mr. Vhonani Ramaano by no later than Monday, 30 August 2021. Your nomination must contain:

  • your full name and contact details
  • a signed acceptance of the nomination by the nominee
  • the nominee’s Curriculum Vitae (CV) which includes their:
    • full name, ID number, and gender
    • contact details (including physical address, telephone or cell number, and email address)
    • relevant previous experience (including relevant dates and organisations concerned)
    • academic qualifications.

You may send any enquiries to Mr. Vhonani Ramaano via cell: 083 709 8427. You can also read the full invitation from the Justice and Correctional Services Portfolio Committee.

Who cannot be a member

  • Public servants
  • Members of Parliament, any provincial legislature or any municipal council
  • Office-bearers or employees of any political party
  • Unrehabilitated insolvents
  • Someone a court has declared to be mentally ill or unfit
  • Someone convicted of any offence involving dishonesty