POPIA is a data protection law that requires institutions like Just Retirement Life (South Africa) Limited (Just SA) to deal with the processing of personal information of data subjects (both natural and juristic persons). It provides privacy rights and consumer protection to South Africans in relation to how institutions like Just SA process personal information.
FAQs: Protection of Personal Information Act
What is the Protection of Personal Information Act (POPIA)?
When did POPIA come into effect and how does it apply to you?
The commencement date for POPIA is 1 July 2020. Just SA (as a Responsible Party) had a one-year grace period to ensure it is fully compliant. The grace period expired on 30 June 2021, which means POPIA becomes enforceable by the Information Regulator on 1 July 2021. POPIA applies to any individual or business who keeps any type of record or personal information.
Personal information is information relating to an identifiable person, living, natural person and juristic person. It includes, but is not limited to the following:
- ID number
- Policy number
- Email address
- Physical address
- Cellphone number
Data subject is the person to whom the personal information relates (our clients).
Responsible party is a public or private body or any other person which, alone or in conjunction with others, determines the purpose of and means for processing personal information (Just SA).
Operator is a person who processes personal information for a responsible party in terms of a contract or mandate, without coming under the direct authority of that party.
What are the conditions for processing personal information?
- Accountability
- Processing Limitation
- Purpose Specific
- Further Processing Limitation
- Information Quality
- Openness
- Security Safeguards
- Data Subject Participation
POPIA allows Just SA to collect and lawfully process personal information. The personal information of our clients, employees and partners will be kept safe and protected through the use of reasonable technical and organisational safeguards. Just SA will strive at all times to process information for specific, explicitly defined and legitimate reasons only. Personal information will only be shared with honest and responsible third parties where we have agreements and who comply with POPIA.
What function does the Information Officer perform?
The Information Officer is tasked with ensuring there is compliance with POPIA and their responsibilities, among others, include:
- Ensuring the conditions for the lawful processing of personal information are adhered to
- Informing the Information Regulator of security compromises to data subjects’ personal information
- Facilitating and providing training on data protection that is consistent with POPIA
Who is the Just SA Information Officer?
Information Officer: Louise Ferreira
Email address: lferreira@justsa.co.za
Will there be training on POPIA?
Yes, our employees will receive training from the effective date of 1 July 2021 and will continue to be trained as part of Just SA ensuring that personal information is safeguarded and that we comply with POPIA.
How do I unsubscribe from Just SA's newsnotes?
If you receive our quarterly Adviser NewsNotes, you can unsubscribe at any time by clicking the unsubscribe link at the bottom of the email you received.
To find out more, read our Privacy Policy in full or click here to learn more about POPIA.
Do you need more information?
Consider seeking advice from a qualified financial adviser. Contact us to request the details of an adviser in your area, or to find out more about our offering.