Maseru- Vodacom Lesotho in partnership with the Media Institute of Southern Africa
(MISA) organised a workshop to enhance the protection of customer data, the event ar ot 5/ unate dine the gen his to safeguard senative infrmaion
The topics covered during the workshop included: Does Vodacom have capacity to hack customers phone, the processes Vodacom follows before releasing the customers information and also handling of customer complaints.
In opening; Legal Compliance, Mareitumetse Ramaema said vodacom is the subsidiary of vodafone and operates under its guidelines and primarily focuses on selling airtime. She said vodacom is bound by the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) of 2018 which governs the handling and sharing of personal information to 3rd parties.
In the discussion, Ramaema highlighted the importance of data protection, noting that previously companies had full control over customers’ data without oversight. She said with the introduction of GDPR customers now have rights such as data access, portability and the ability to correct their information.
She added that Lesotho follows the Data Protection Act, with Vodacom Lesotho regulated by the Lesotho Communications Authority and Vodacom Financial Services regulated by Central Bank of Lesotho (CBL).
She explained that while Mpesa is now a separate entity under vodacom, strict rules still govern data sharing which Vodacom stores for three (3). “Data is only provided to entities like NSS, Police and DCEO.
She said that the company aims to strengthen its data security measures and also build trust with its customers and sensitization is the testament to vodacom commitment to transparency and accountability.
MISA chairperson; Kananelo Boloetse emphasised that data must be handled with care, commending vodacom for consistently safeguarding customer services.
