Infinity Venue

👉🏻[email protected]

Emotional intelligence is the ability to understand, manage, and express your own emotions while also recognising and responding appropriately to the emotions of others. It involves skills such as self-awareness, self-control, empathy, and effective communication. People with strong emotional intelligence are better able to handle stress, build positive relationships, and make thoughtful decisions, both in their personal lives and in the workplace.

She's Cheyna - Cheyna Ross will be doing a special talk on "The reason an Entrepreneur emerges," and we want you to be a part of it on 7 May in Edenvale, please RSVP at [email protected]

Understanding the Requirements of PAIA and POPIA in South Africa
As South Africa strengthens its regulatory framework around information access and data protection, organisations are under increasing pressure to comply with two critical pieces of legislation: the Promotion of Access to Information Act (PAIA) and the Protection of Personal Information Act (POPIA). Together, these laws ensure transparency, accountability, and the responsible handling of personal information across all sectors.
Why PAIA and POPIA Matter
PAIA promotes the public’s right to access information held by organisations, while POPIA regulates how personal information is collected, processed, stored, and shared. Compliance with both is not optional—it is a legal obligation for all businesses in South Africa, regardless of size.
Key Requirements of PAIA
1. Develop and Maintain a PAIA Manual
All organisations must compile a PAIA Manual that outlines the types of records they hold and how individuals can request access to this information.
2. Who needs a PAIA Manual
All businesses in South Africa—regardless of size—must have a PAIA Manual. This includes sole proprietors, SMEs, and large corporations. Even organisations that do not regularly receive information requests are still required to comply. The PAIA manual is a legal requirement!
2. Appoint an Information Officer
Every business must designate an Information Officer responsible for PAIA compliance and handling information requests.
3. Enable Access to Information
Organisations must have clear procedures in place to receive, process, and respond to requests for information within prescribed timeframes.
4. Submit Annual Reports
Businesses are required to compile annual reports to the Information Regulator, detailing requests received and how they were handled.
The PAIA manual must be accessible on all Companies websites, hard copies accessible at your head office and uploaded on the Information Regulators site- This is a mandatory requirement
Key Requirements of POPIA
1. Lawful Processing of Personal Information
Personal data must be processed in a lawful and reasonable manner that does not infringe on the privacy of individuals.
2. Obtain Consent
Organisations must obtain consent from individuals before collecting and using their personal information, unless legally justified otherwise.
3. Implement Security Safeguards
Appropriate technical and organisational measures must be in place to protect personal information from loss, damage, or unauthorised access.
4. Maintain an Information Officer and Register with the Regulator (already done via PAIA)
The Information Officer must be registered with the Information Regulator and ensure compliance with POPIA requirements.
5. Report Data Breaches
Any security compromise involving personal information must be reported to both the Information Regulator and affected individuals.
6. Ensure Data Subject Rights
Individuals have the right to access, correct, or request deletion of their personal information.
The Link Between PAIA and POPIA
PAIA gives individuals the right to access information, while POPIA ensures that personal information is protected and not misused. A compliant organisation must integrate both laws into its daily operations, policies, and procedures.
Risks of Non-Compliance
Failure to comply with PAIA and POPIA can result in financial penalties, legal action, reputational damage, and loss of client trust.
Taking Action
Businesses are encouraged to develop or update their PAIA Manuals (on an annual basis), implement POPIA-compliant privacy policies, train staff on both PAIA and POPIA, and conduct regular internal audits.
Compliance is more than a legal requirement—it is a commitment to ethical business practices and customer trust. Ensure your business is compliant today.

For more information please contact Lee Roelofse on (011)425-1627/083 534 3183, [email protected],

Discovered Infinity Academy in Benoni, Gautency Awesome Training Venue with a Fabulous Vibe! Check it out!

All ladies had fun on 02 April 2026. Please diarise for the next exciting sisterhood event on 07 May 2026.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Register Now for Accredited Facilitator, Assessor and Moderator Courses through ETDP SETA
Aspiring trainers, educators, and industry professionals are invited to take the next step in their careers by registering for the highly sought-after Facilitator, Assessor, and Moderator courses, now open for enrollment.
These nationally recognised programmes are designed to equip learners with the essential skills required to plan, deliver, assess, and moderate outcomes-based learning in line with South Africa’s occupational qualification framework. With the growing demand for qualified education and training professionals across industries, these courses provide a valuable opportunity to gain accredited credentials and enhance career prospects.
Participants will gain practical, hands-on knowledge in:
• Facilitating effective accredited learning programmes
• Conducting fair and valid assessments
• Moderating assessments to ensure quality and compliance
• Understanding SETA and QCTO requirements
The courses are ideal for individuals looking to become accredited facilitators, assessors, or moderators, as well as professionals currently involved in training, HR, skills development, and education.
Training is delivered by experienced facilitators with real-world expertise, ensuring that learners not only meet compliance requirements but also develop confidence and competence in applying their skills in the workplace.
Flexible learning options are available, including online and in-person sessions, making it accessible for working professionals across South Africa.
Seats are limited, and early registration is encouraged.

Call to Action
Register now to secure your place and take the first step towards becoming a certified training professional.
Was R10 500 now only R9 800, note you may claim back your skills development and BEE points through this training programme
To enrol click the following link Register NOW

For more information or to enrol, contact:
📞 011 425 1627
📧 [email protected]
🌐

Discovered Infinity Academy in Benoni, Gautency Awesome Training Venue with a Fabulous Vibe! Check it out!

With all the AI out there, I thought I would put a smile on your dial enjoy your weekend everyone!

👉 Local Business Leader 👉📩 [email protected]

Heather Smithard has developed WordPress websites since 2017, applying her expertise in effective online communication and marketing. Heather will discuss the importance of ensuring your website is found from an SEO, AEO and GEO perspective. To find out how your website can stand out in Google algorithms.

Join us for an informative event on 02 April- Bookings essential!!

The changes in POPIA 2025
Strengthening South Africans’ Privacy and Transparency Rights: POPIA 2013, the April 2025 amended Regulations, and PAIA’s 2022 Landscape
Johannesburg, South Africa — 26 September 2025 — South Africans’ rights to privacy and access to information have been further clarified and strengthened. The Information Regulator has issued amended Regulations to the Protection of Personal Information Act, 2013 (POPIA), effective 17 April 2025, while the Promotion of Access to Information Act 2020 as amended (PAIA) continues to entrench open, accountable governance following key amendments that took effect in recent years.
What POPIA is—and what changed in April 2025
POPIA governs how organisations collect, use, share, and secure personal information. On 17 April 2025, the Information Regulator published amendments to the POPIA Regulations with immediate effect. These amendments streamline and strengthen data-subject rights (objections, corrections/deletions, and consent for direct marketing) with updated prescribed forms and procedure requirements
The simple “optout” is no longer sufficient, organisations are advised as set out by regulation 6 to utilise the form 4 or equivalent as it is mandatory to gain explicit consent from a data subject for the processing of personal information for the purpose of direct marketing through unsolicited electronic communication in terms of sect 69 (2) of the Act, this form 4 must capture the specific goods/services and communication method and its provisions can be applied electronically or over recorded telephone calls herewith link to the form https://inforegulator.org.za/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/FORM-4-APPLICATION-FOR-THE-CONSENT-OF-A-DATA-SUBJECT-FOR-THE-PROCESSING-OF.pdf. The responsibly party of the Organisation must prove that valid, informed consent was obtained by data subjects. This process will affect marketing strategies and plans.
Other changes included
Clarifying roles and definitions (e.g., “complainant,” “complaint,” “day,” “office hours,” “relevant body/bodies”), reducing ambiguity for companies and the public.
Refine enforcement mechanics, including flexibility around the payment of administrative fines and clearer complaint-handling pathways.
Complement the Regulator’s updated data-breach reporting approach, including the e-portal notification process announced in April 2025.

Bottom line, all organisations must update their POPIA forms, processes, and staff training to match the new 2025 rules.
Where PAIA stands in 2025 and what people mean by the “2022 amendments”
PAIA gives everyone the constitutional right to access records held by the state and by private bodies when needed to exercise or protect rights. As set out by The Promotion of Access to Information Act 2020 as amended effective 1 January 2021 it became mandatory that all private companies, regardless of size become legally required to hold and maintain a PAIA manual (Section 51) detailing contact details of Information Officer, the categories of records the organisation holds, how people can access records, applicable fees and remedies available if access is denied.
With POPIA fully in effect from 1 July 2021, the Information Regulator also required companies to register their Information Offices and align PAIA manuals with POPIA compliance. It must also be noted that organisations must now conclude their annual reporting on data requests, even if none, for each financial year on the Information Regulators portal https://eservices.inforegulator.org.za/reporting/default.aspxhttps://eservices.inforegulator.org.za/reporting/default.aspx

How POPIA and PAIA work together
• Two rights, two pillars- POPIA protects your privacy; PAIA protects your right of access. Together they balance openness with protection—ensuring people to get the records they need while safeguarding personal information.
• Information Officers (IOs)- Each public and private body must appoint an IO who is responsible for POPIA compliance and PAIA access processes (manuals, request handling, time frames).
• The 2025 POPIA Regulation updates and the Regulator’s PAIA role means IOs should align their forms, notices, and manuals accordingly.
Requests vs. protection: When a PAIA request includes personal information, POPIA’s conditions apply—disclosure may be limited or redacted to protect privacy while still enabling access to non-personal parts of a record.
• Breach and transparency: If a data breach occurs, organisations must notify the Regulator and affected individuals (per POPIA), and PAIA still enables individuals to request records relevant to protecting their rights.
What organisations should do now
1. Update POPIA forms and processes to the 17 April 2025 Regulation changes (objection, correction/deletion, consent, complaints etc.). Train staff and refresh privacy notices.
2. Review your PAIA Manual (Section 14/51) and request workflows to ensure alignment with the Regulator’s mandates and current forms/guides.
3. Check your breach-response plan against the Regulator’s e-portal reporting practices announced in April 2025.
4. Ensure your Information Officer is registered and that your POPIA and PAIA compliance tracks are integrated.
Infinity Academy boasts two online courses on both POPIA and PAIA
Register on links below
https://iacademy.co.za/product/the-popi-act/ and
Click https://iacademy.co.za/product/the-promotion-of-access-to-information-act-no-2-of-2000-as-amended/
Bonus! enrol and receive a FREE downloadable PAIA and POPIA manual to guide your compliance journey!

inforegulator.org.za