Govt Pushes for Nationwide Access to Data Controller Training

By Elishamai A Ziumbwa

Information Communication Technology, Postal and Courier Services Minister Tatenda Mavetera has urged the Postal and Telecommunications Regulatory Authority of Zimbabwe (POTRAZ) to prioritise decentralisation and devolution in data controlling training.

Addressing stakeholders at the inaugural Data Controlling License handover ceremony in Harare, Mavetera said POTRAZ should ensure that aspiring data controllers in other areas have equal access to training and certification.

“We need to prioritise decentralisation and devolution of this training, which will ensure that aspiring data controllers in Bulawayo, Mutare, Binga, Masvingo, Gweru and beyond have equal access to training and certification, eliminating the need for costly and inconvenient travel to the capital, Harare. Training must be accessible, equitable, and sustainable,’’ said Mavetera.

She said the initiative is a testament of government’s commitment to safeguard personal data, promoting accountability and fostering trust in the digital economy thus everyone should access it.

Mavetera said many have asked them to customize and allow even those who are still starting to be given a different price in the training of data controlling licence.

She said these licences are not just a regulatory requirement, but they are a strategic tool to ensure the country’s digital transformation is secure, inclusive and aligned with international standards which is why it is important for it to be done in the whole of Zimbabwe.

“I therefore call upon the regulator to partner with all state universities and tertiary institutions to make this training accessible and nationwide. No Zimbabwean should be left behind due to geographical constraints,” she said.

She also said there is need for Zimbabwe to set the pace and create regional standards that follow SADC member states, that can also benchmark us when developing more training programmes.

“Zimbabwe stands ready to share with its peers in SADC its experience and knowledge in Data Controller training,” said Mavetera.