New framework demystifies POPIA for researchers
- Wits University
The Academy of Science of South Africa’s framework guides researchers on how to interpret and implement POPIA for research.
Released on 15 May 2025, the research framework produced by the Academy of Science of South Africa (ASSAf) aims to create legal certainty by helping researchers, ethics committees, and institutions to have a consistent interpretation of the Protection of Personal Information Act (POPIA) and its impact on research.
Endorsed by the ASSAf Council, the research framework guides researchers on how to interpret and implement POPIA to ensure that their research projects comply with POPIA.
Wits University Professors Michèle Ramsay and Maria Papathanasopoulos led and contributed to the research framework along with Ms Eleni Flack-Davison, Wits legal advisor and research compliance manager.
A resource for all researchers in SA
Ramsay, Chair of the ASSAf POPIA Committee, says, “The diverse scenarios we examined highlighted that POPIA is not just a legal requirement, but a tool for promoting ethical and thoughtful sharing of personal data, reinforcing the responsibilities of both researchers and regulators in protecting the rights and dignity of research participants.”
“The decision to transition from a formal Code of Conduct to a voluntary Compliance Framework was not taken lightly," continues Ramsay. "Our intention from the outset was to develop a resource that would support all researchers in South Africa, regardless of discipline, institutional affiliation, or sector, and not only the ASSAf members.”
Demystifying POPIA for researchers
The Protection of Personal Information Act (POPIA), and the ASSAf POPIA Research Framework, are distinct.
Although it is compulsory for all researchers to comply with POPIA, the research framework is voluntary – it serves as a practical guide for researchers and research institutions to understand and implement POPIA in their research activities.
The research framework aims to promote uniform and ethical data practices, especially the responsible protection of personal information collected and processed during the research lifespan, across both the public and private research sectors. It also seeks to uphold transparency, accountability, and the rights of research participants, in line with South Africa’s data protection legislation.
Why a research-specific framework?
Over the past four years, researchers across disciplines have faced unique challenges in interpreting and applying POPIA to their work. These challenges highlighted the need for sector-specific clarity on data processing practices in research settings. ASSAf responded by convening a working group of experts and engaging widely with the research community to develop a user-friendly, practical resource tailored to the needs of South Africa’s research sector.
The research framework is grounded in real-world experience, informed by diverse stakeholder input, and aligned with ethical standards and legal requirements.
While the POPIA’s primary aim is to protect the privacy of individuals, the ASSAf Framework includes provisions that can facilitate responsible data sharing, and ease participation in contexts like Open Science, cross-continental collaboration, and compliance with international frameworks. Improving South Africa’s data protection credibility helps make it a trusted partner in global data ecosystems.
Key features of the research framework
- Voluntary adoption: Institutions and researchers are encouraged to adopt and use the research framework as a guide to support compliance with POPIA.
- Practical tools: Includes checklists and simplified guidelines to support compliance.
- Community-driven: Encourages continued dialogue with the research sector to refine and adapt best practices.
Wits University’s position on the research framework
Professor Lynn Morris, Deputy Vice-Chancellor: Research and Innovation at Wits, says, “Here at Wits, conducting research ethically, with integrity, and protecting all our research participants, is non-negotiable.
As an institution, Wits is fully compliant with POPIA and will make use of this research framework to further enhance its practices by encouraging our researchers to engage with the content and to apply it in their research planning.
Furthermore, this framework provides practical guidance to Wits’ ethics committees. We are grateful to ASSAf for recognising the importance of providing this resource to our research community, and to the drafting team for their hard work and foresight.”
Access the POPIA Compliance Framework for Research: http://dx.doi.org/10.17159/assaf.2025/113
Direct POPIA Research enquiries regarding your Wits projects to Eleni.Flack-Davison@wits.ac.za
Direct general POPIA enquiries regarding your Wits projects to the Registrar, Carol.crosley@wits.ac.za