Legislation

POPIA Frequently Asked Questions

1.  What is POPIA?

It is a South African data protection law which is aimed at regulating the protection of natural and juristic persons’ constitutional right to privacy.

2. Who are the UNISA Information and Deputy Information Officers?

The university’s Information Officer is the Principal and Vice Chancellor, Prof Puleng LenkaBula and the Deputy Information Officer for POPIA is Ms Mashamaite Ramutsheli, while the Deputy Information Officer for PAIA is Dr Vuyo Peach.

3. What is the purpose of POPIA?

To set conditions for the lawful processing of personal information held by private and public bodies to protect our constitutional right to privacy.

4. What is a Data Subject?

The owners of personal information collected through various channels and processed by UNISA in line with its operations.

5. Who does POPIA affects at UNISA?

POPIA affects the following 10 data subjects that the university is collecting and processing their personal information:

  • Students
  • Employees
  • Council Members
  • Service Providers
  • Authors
  • Donors
  • Community Engagements Participants
  • Strategic Partnerships
  • Alumni
  • Academic Associates, Visiting Researchers and Post-Doctoral Fellows

Last modified: 2023/08/07