AU puts Data Protection at the Heart of Freshmen Orientation
By Staff Writer
Africa University’s first-year students have been urged to take personal data protection and online privacy seriously as they begin their university journey, amid growing emphasis on the responsible management of personal information both on the continent and globally.
The call was made by Africa University’s Information and Communication Technology (ICT) Director, Mr. Richard Fotsin, during an orientation session that introduced new students to the importance of privacy, responsible information sharing, secure use of digital platforms and university information systems.
The session comes against the backdrop of Zimbabwe’s strengthening data protection framework. The Cyber and Data Protection Act [Chapter 12:07], enacted in 2021, provides the legal framework for the protection of personal data in Zimbabwe and designates the Postal and Telecommunications Regulatory Authority of Zimbabwe as the country’s Cyber and Data Protection Authority.
As Zimbabwe strengthens its national data protection framework, Africa University situates this discourse within the broader African agenda of safeguarding digital citizens and advancing responsible information governance. Continental initiatives such as the African Union’s Digital Transformation Strategy and Agenda 2063 underpin the critical role of secure digital ecosystems in driving inclusive growth, innovation, and sustainable development. In deliberate alignment with these frameworks, Africa University emphasizes responsible digital citizenship and proactive compliance, preparing leaders who will contribute to Africa’s resilience, sovereignty, and competitiveness in the global digital economy.
By urging its first-year students to take personal data protection and online privacy seriously, the institution is going above and beyond by preparing young Africans to engage responsibly in a digital era where privacy, trust, and security are critical drivers of continental progress in ICTs.
Director Fotsin outlined Africa University’s expansive digital footprint and positioned its central role in responsibly collecting and managing data as the institution delivers on its mandate. He said: “As a data centre, Africa University collects and processes personal information in the course of providing academic, administrative and support services to students. This makes the responsible handling and protection of personal information an important part of the university’s operations.” He went on to encourage students to exercise greater caution in their online activities and to think carefully before sharing personal information.
“When online, always be mindful of what information is being requested, why it is being requested, who it is being shared with and how it may be used”.
The emphasis on data protection forms part of the university’s broader commitment to responsible digital citizenship and good information governance. For students, this means being mindful of the information they share with others and the risks associated with careless disclosure of personal details.
The ICT orientation session served as an introduction to the university’s ICT ecosystem and an important reminder that data privacy is a shared responsibility. As the university’s freshmen and women begin their academic journey in an increasingly digital university environment, they are encouraged to make privacy and responsible information sharing part of their everyday practice.
