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Mthabisi Tshuma recently in Victoria Falls 

A TOTAL of 99 data protection officers graduated last Wednesday under the Data Protection Officer Certification Training Programme, a collaborative initiative between the Postal and Telecommunications Regulatory Authority of Zimbabwe (Potraz) and the Harare Institute of Technology (HIT).

This marks the second cohort of graduates following the inaugural group of 57 who completed their training last year. 

The certification ceremony coincided with the Potraz Data Privacy Symposium, a three-day event held in Victoria Falls last week under the theme: “Bridging Technology, Policy, Law and Practice: Towards Strengthening Data Protection in Zimbabwe.”

The symposium brought together policymakers, regulators, academics, researchers, security agencies, private sector players and data subjects to discuss data security, privacy laws and emerging threats in the digital space.

Addressing delegates during the graduation ceremony, Potraz director general, Dr Gift Machengete, urged the new data protection officers to actively execute their duties and work towards creating a data-breach-free Zimbabwe.

 “In this battle against data misuse and breaches, it’s not about brute force, but your ability to navigate the complexities of laws, technologies and emerging threats. Whether it’s compliance with the Cyber and Data Protection Act, responding to data breaches, or thwarting cybercriminals, you are the ones who expose dangers from within, remove them and rebuild stronger defences,” he said. 

Dr Machengete said that while data protection officers may work behind the scenes, their role in safeguarding privacy, transparency, and trust in the digital world is crucial.

“As the quiet warriors of data protection, your victories may not always make headlines, but they are no less significant. You champion privacy, transparency and trust, ensuring the digital world remains a place where individuals feel secure” he said. 

Dr Machengete urged the graduates to approach challenges strategically, using intelligence and expertise rather than force.

“Every obstacle is an opportunity to make a profound impact. Remember, like the Trojan horse, you break through barriers, not with force, but with intelligence. You hold the power to reshape the future, dismantle the walls of data breaches and ensure a world where privacy and trust are actively championed,” he said. 

He also expressed gratitude to Potraz and HIT tutors for their dedication in equipping the data protection officers with the necessary skills to navigate the evolving landscape of cybersecurity and data protection. 

The Data Protection Officer Certification Training Programme is part of the country’s broader efforts to enhance digital security and ensure compliance with data protection laws, including the Cyber and Data Protection Act. The initiative is expected to increase awareness and strengthen regulatory compliance across various sectors.

With cyber threats and data breaches becoming more prevalent, certified data protection officers are set to play a critical role in protecting personal and corporate information, ensuring Zimbabwe’s digital ecosystem remains safe and trustworthy. — @mthabisi_mthire.