Eswatini Communications Commission

ESCCOM Awards Girls in ICT Scholarship Congratulations to Sihlelelwe Siyaya and Nomvelo Ngwenya, the newest recipients of the ESCCOM Girls in ICT scholarships! These exceptional young women will be pursuing Bachelor of Science degrees in Information Technology and Electrical and Electronic Engineering, respectively. The ESCCOM Girls in ICT program, launched in 2022, aims to inspire and empower young girls to explore careers in the exciting field of ICT. By providing full scholarships to Swazi girls, the program is fostering a new generation of female tech leaders. In his speech, the ESCCOM Chief Executive emphasized the strategic importance of these scholarships for Eswatini's future. He encouraged the recipients to embrace this opportunity with passion and dedication. Dr. Gugu Msane, Acting Director of Research, Science, Technology, and Innovation at the Ministry of ICT, urged the scholarship recipients to focus on their studies and serve as role models for other girls. Ms. Naniki Mnisi, Acting Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Education, emphasized the importance of perseverance and dedication in achieving academic success. We are proud to support these talented young women on their educational journeys. #GirlsinICT #ESCCOM #Education #Technology #Empowerment #Eswatini

Exciting news for Eswatini! The ESCCOM Commission has awarded five General Electronic Communications Services Licenses to the following entities: Connect I.T (PTY) LTD Ingcova Technologies (PTY) LTD Nasihah Investments (PTY) LTD Eli Information & Technology (PTY) LTD Digitex Investments (PTY) LTD These licenses authorize the entities to import, install, maintain, distribute, or sell electronic communications equipment in Eswatini, paving the way for enhanced telecommunications services and infrastructure. In his speech, the Chief Executive emphasized the importance of providing reliable, affordable, and consumer-focused services. He urged the newly licensed entities to prioritize consumer protection and adhere to all regulatory frameworks. This development is a significant step towards improving connectivity and digital accessibility in Eswatini. Let's welcome these new players to the market and look forward to the positive impact they will make on our nation. #Eswatini #Telecommunications #Technology #Innovation #EconomicGrowth

l Stop phone scams: Don't share personal information over the phone! l Phone scams are on the rise, and they often target personal information that can wreak havoc on your finances and identity. Here's why you should NEVER share personal info over the phone (unless you initiated the call): •Scammers can impersonate ANYONE! They might sound like your bank, internet provider, or even a government agency. Don't trust caller ID alone. •They can use your information to steal your money or identity. This includes your ID number, bank account details, or login credentials. •Legitimate companies already have your info (if you're a customer). They won't call out of the blue asking you to confirm it. Here's how to protect yourself: •Don't be pressured into giving out information. If a caller seems pushy or urgent, hang up! You can always verify the information later by contacting the company directly through their official website or phone number on your account statement. •Verify the caller's identity. Don't call back the number displayed. Look up the official customer service number of the company the caller claims to represent. •Never give out your ID number, bank account details, or passwords over the phone. Use strong passwords and different ones for different accounts. •Report suspicious calls to the police or network service provider. •By staying vigilant and keeping your personal information private, you can avoid falling victim to phone scams. Bonus Tip: If you accidentally share personal information, contact your bank or credit card company immediately to report it and take steps to protect your accounts. Spread the word and help others stay cyber-safe! #Cybersecurity #PhoneScams #ProtectYourInfo #BeCybersmart

Shaping the Future of Broadcasting in Eswatini The Ministry of Information, Communication and Technology, in collaboration with the Commission, is currently hosting a crucial stakeholder consultation to review the draft regulations for the Broadcasting Sector. This important engagement kicked off today and will conclude on Wednesday, 14 August 2024. Key industry players including broadcasters, independent content producers, content creators, and aspiring licensees are actively participating in this process. The proposed regulations cover a wide range of areas, including: Broadcasting (Licensing) Regulations Broadcasting (Community Broadcasting) Regulations Broadcasting (Content) Regulations Broadcasting (Online Content) Regulations Broadcasting (Digital and Other Broadcasting Networks and Services) Broadcasting (Quality of Service) Regulations Model Editorial Policy We believe that this comprehensive review will contribute significantly to the development of a robust and dynamic broadcasting industry in Eswatini. The licensing of new players in the sector will be guided by theses Regulations when they become effective. #Eswatini #Broadcasting #NewRegulations #StakeholderConsultation

#GirlsInICT

Employees, Know Your Rights: Check if Your Employer is EDPA Registered As an employee, your personal data is valuable. Ensure your employer is handling it responsibly by verifying their registration with the Eswatini Data Protection Authority (EDPA). A registered employer demonstrates commitment to data protection and your privacy. If your employer isn't registered, encourage them to take the necessary steps to comply with data protection regulations. #DataPrivacy #EmployeeRights #EDPA #DataProtectionAwareness

New Month, New Cyber Habits! 🔒 August is here, and it's time to level up your digital defense. Let's start strong with these cyber safety essentials: Strong, unique passwords: Reset those old ones! Phishing awareness: Don't click on suspicious links or attachments. Data privacy: Be mindful of what you share online. Software updates: Keep your devices and apps protected. Data backups: Peace of mind is priceless. Let's make this month a safer one for everyone online. Share your top cyber safety tips in the comments below! #Cybersecurity #DataPrivacy #OnlineSafety #NewMonthNewMe

Huge congratulations to the 28 organizations recently certified by the Eswatini Data Protection Authority (EDPA) for complying with data protection regulations! This brings the total number of registered data controllers and processors to 61. A big shoutout to these organizations for prioritizing data security: NetComm GetBucks Eswatini Lewis Stores Eswatini Electricity Company Cutecloud Solutions Technology Solutions Africa Brookside Lodge Docsecure Eswatini Clinton Health Access Initiative Real Image Internet Redcross Tambankulu Eswatini Competition Commission ESWATINI NATIONAL PROVIDENT FUND Piggs Peak Town Council NBC Eswatini STANLIB Old Mutual Eswatini (Swaziland) Municipal Council Of Manzini MTN Eswatini FINCORP - Eswatini Development Finance Corporation First Finance Finsure Young Heroes Eswatini Sugar Association Your commitment to protecting personal information is truly commendable! Thinking about joining the ranks of data protection champions? Head over to the EDPA website (https://lnkd.in/d67VpGgx) to start your registration journey. #DataProtection #Privacy #Eswatini #EDPA Improvements:

Welcome to the team, Mandisa Nkambule! 🎉 We’re thrilled to have you join the ESCCOM family. Your skills and experience are a valuable addition to our team. We’re excited to see all that you’ll accomplish here! Let’s make it a great journey together. Welcome aboard! #newhire #welcome #team #excited

l SAFEGUARD DATA, BUILD TRUST: REGISTER AS A DATA CONTROLLER WITH THE EDPA l Eswatini businesses, is your organization a Data Controller? If you process personal information, such as customer data, employee records, or student information, then the answer is yes. Registering with the Eswatini Data Protection Authority (EDPA) is essential for responsible data handling. Who should register • Data Controllers: Any entity that determines the purpose and means of personal data processing (e.g., companies collecting customer data). • Data Processors: Entities that process personal data on behalf of a Data Controller (e.g., cloud storage providers). Institutions expected to register are government ministries, state owned enterprises, businesses, employers, NGOs, religious institutions, trade unions, cooperatives, financial institutions, insurance companies, hospitals, clinics etc. Why Register? Compliance & Reputation: Demonstrate your commitment to data privacy regulations, fostering trust with stakeholders and enhancing your reputation. Robust Security: The registration process encourages strong data security practices, protecting sensitive personal data. Clear Guidance & Support: Registered entities benefit from clear guidelines and ongoing support from the EDPA, ensuring you navigate data protection requirements effectively. Take Action Today! Visit the EDPA website for registration details: https://lnkd.in/d67VpGgx **Still unsure? ** Contact the EDPA for any questions or assistance: [email protected] By registering, you'll show your commitment to data privacy and responsible data practices. Let's build a future where data is used ethically and transparently. #DataProtection #Eswatini #EDPA #DataResponsibility