The Harare Institute of Technology (HIT) in partnership with the Postal and Telecommunications Regulatory Authority of Zimbabwe (POTRAZ) celebrated a significant milestone in data privacy as 93 graduates were certified as Data Protection Officers (DPO) after completing the course on 29 January 2025. The ceremony, held at the Elephant Hills resort, in Victoria Falls, marked a pivotal step in Zimbabwe’s journey towards enhanced data protection and privacy.
In his address at the Graduation Ceremony, HIT Vice Chancellor Prof. Engr. Quinton Chamunorwa Kanhukamwe emphasised the importance of collaboration in addressing modern data challenges. “Today’s event is a testament to the power of cooperation. Through our partnership with POTRAZ, we have taken significant strides towards training and certifying Data Protection Officers, vital for our nation’s security of personal data,” he stated.
The DPO course, which commenced following a Memorandum of Agreement signed between HIT and POTRAZ on October 25, 2023, aims to equip individuals with the skills needed to navigate the complexities of data privacy in today’s digital landscape. Prof. Kanhukamwe expressed gratitude to POTRAZ for their trust in HIT, assuring that this partnership is essential for the future of data protection in Zimbabwe.
“We are intent on jointly executing key training and certification processes, programme development, and collaborative research in the fields of cyber and data privacy,” he explained.
Highlighting HIT’s focus on innovation and technological advancement, he shared, “HIT has embarked on a robust initiative to equip our graduates with the tools they need to engage with Zimbabwe’s modernisation and industrialisation agenda. We are committed to nurturing technopreneurs who can drive the formation of high-tech enterprises that create employment.”
Prof. Kanhukamwe also noted the establishment of the Department of Information Security and Assurance at HIT, had enhanced the university’s ability to produce a generation of cyber security experts crucial for maintaining personal data privacy. “These experts are the foundation of our nation’s efforts, especially as violations frequently occur in the digital realm,” he added.
The Vice Chancellor reiterated the necessity of evolving with technological advancements. “In today’s digital age, the role of a Data Protection Officer is more critical than ever. With the exponential growth of data and the increasing complexity of data privacy regulations, organisations are in dire need of professionals who can navigate these challenges with expertise and integrity,” he cautioned.
He encouraged the graduates to lead with integrity in their new roles, stating, “Embrace the principles of transparency, accountability, and privacy by design.” He urged them to stay curious and continually learn as they contribute to the ever-evolving field of data protection.
Special thanks were also directed towards the Technical Committee and facilitators from both organisations, with Prof. Kanhukamwe recognising their dedication: “Your expertise has provided our graduates with a solid foundation to build on, and it is integral to our shared mission of enhancing data privacy.”
In conclusion, he proclaimed, “As we together embark on this critical journey to safeguard our citizens’ personal data and enhance national development, let us remember that each of you, as newly minted Data Protection Officers, holds the key to a secure and privacy-respecting future.”
The event concluded with a call to action for the graduates, empowering them to be stewards of privacy and security in a world increasingly reliant on data.
