How to turn POPIA compliance into a strategic advantage March 15th, 2024
How to turn POPIA compliance into a strategic advantage
If you thought the Protection of Personal Information Act was just a bunch of toothless legal jargon, think again.
Last year the Information Regulator slapped a R5 million fine on the Department of Justice and Constitutional Development for failing to protect personal information following a ransomware attack. More recently it issued an enforcement notice to training institution FT Rams Consulting for contravening various sections of POPIA.
The message being sent to businesses is clear – get your house in order or face the consequences, which can be harsh.
The POPI Act ensures everyone's right to privacy and protection against the misuse of personal information, says Nicol Myburgh, Head: HCM Business Unit at CRS Technologies. “It covers all personal information, including details of employees, suppliers and clients.
“Failure to adhere to the legislation could result in substantial penalties, ranging from fines of millions of Rands for serious offences to incarceration of up to ten years. This is over and above the potential reputational damage from information breaches, which may lead to legal action and even business downfall.”
Becoming POPIA compliant is a complex undertaking, he continues. “Organisations must not only restrict how they collect, process, store and share personal data, but are also legally obliged to safeguard its privacy.”
But rather than view POPIA as a regulatory burden, Myburgh says businesses should approach it as an opportunity to simplify, review and streamline their processes. This is where CRS offers a valuable service.
“As an established HR and payroll solutions and services provider, we understand the importance of complying with legislation while protecting the integrity and confidentiality of sensitive data.
“We help business owners conduct a thorough analysis of the personal information within their organisation, develop and implement appropriate data privacy policies, and establish robust data security practices.
“Additionally, our systems are geared to not only comply with POPIA, but also the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR), which means we can also assist businesses operating in Europe.”
Myburgh urges business owners not to wait to fall foul of POPIA’s requirements before taking action. “We operate in an increasingly privacy-conscious business environment. Proactively engaging with data privacy, and transforming it from a legislative necessity into a strategic advantage empowers organisations to build trust and stay ahead of the curve.”
About CRS
CRS Technologies is a leading provider of solutions and services to the growing human capital management industry, and an authorised South African distributor of the Engage™ suite of human resource and payroll products. The system leverages the best that cloud computing has to offer, whether SaaS (Software as a Service), hybrid or on-premise, and incorporates cutting-edge functionality and robust security features that can be tailored to suit the needs of any business.
Following its establishment in 1985, the Johannesburg-based company quickly found its niche in the human resources, people management and payroll sector and, owing to its ability to successfully manage the most complex scenarios, soon matured into the specialist of choice for blue chip organisations and SMMEs across the globe.
Today CRS is acknowledged as the most proficient international human resources and payroll company and is soon to become an accredited Microsoft payroll solution provider, integrating seamlessly with SAP Success Factors, Oracle Slack and SAGE, and helping to create workplaces of inspired, engaged and rewarded employees.
CRS’s approach to market is about maximising value between employer and employee, integrated with innovative technology that unlocks human potential and grows businesses.
CRS achieves competitive advantage through its commitment to global best practice in human capital management and its drive to transform human resource departments into strategic, value-added business units, be it through bespoke software and services or shared industry insight.
For more info, go to www.crs.co.za
Editorial contact:
Gloria Malan
(c) 082 340 2876
Email: info@rubicomm.co.za