By: Ryan Boyes - Governance, Risk, and Compliance Officer at Galix

In South Africa, the Protection of Personal Information Act (POPIA) is reshaping how organisations handle personal data, both locally and across borders. For businesses operating internationally, the challenge is not only to comply with POPIA, but also to reconcile it with global standards such as the EU’s General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR), while keeping sensitive information secure against growing cyber threats. Achieving this balance requires careful interpretation and structured processes. Expert guidance is also invaluable in helping organisations interpret legislation accurately, apply its requirements appropriately to their operations, and avoid the legal, operational, and reputational risks that could potentially arise.

Navigating the differences

POPIA and GDPR share a common goal: protecting personal information. However, the two frameworks differ significantly. POPIA applies specifically within South Africa and allows some flexibility in interpretation, while GDPR governs an entire continent with strict requirements and well-established enforcement mechanisms, including hefty fines. For South African businesses handling international data, the first task is to determine applicability. Data from European sources triggers GDPR obligations, whereas local data falls under POPIA. Misjudging this balance can expose organisations to fines, operational disruptions, and reputational harm.

Without careful alignment, cross-border data transfers can be blocked, creating logistical and operational complications. The reputational impact of mishandled information is equally serious. Clients and partners may lose trust, and restoring confidence after a breach can be difficult, even if the incident is promptly addressed.

The role of an expert in navigating complexity

Expert compliance guidance is crucial in navigating POPIA’s requirements. Specialists help organisations understand which obligations apply to their operations, identify unintentional non-compliance risks, and design processes that satisfy both local and international standards. They provide an independent perspective, highlighting areas internal teams might overlook and ensuring that compliance is embedded in everyday business operations rather than treated as a tick-box exercise.

Developing readiness for POPIA compliance involves a clear understanding of what constitutes personal information, how it flows within and outside the organisation, and which regulatory frameworks are relevant. It requires choosing recognised standards to guide security and privacy practices, comparing approaches with peers and ensuring leadership actively supports and prioritises data protection. By engaging with experts, organisations can implement defensible and practical measures, protecting data while building trust with clients and partners.

Turning regulatory alignment into strategic strength

The Information Regulator in South Africa is steadily increasing its oversight, refining rules around marketing and consent and signalling that enforcement will become more rigorous over time. Organisations that treat compliance as a proactive part of their operations, rather than a reaction to breaches, will benefit from reduced risk and stronger reputational standing.

POPIA compliance is a strategic consideration for any business that values the security of its data and the trust of its clients. Expert guidance ensures that organisations navigate complex regulatory landscapes effectively, harmonising local and international requirements and establishing robust practices that underpin operational resilience in a digitally connected world.