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    General

    POPIA

    The Protection of Personal Information Act (2013) governs how South African businesses handle personal data, including payroll data.

    Full definition

    POPIA (Protection of Personal Information Act, 4 of 2013) came into full effect 1 July 2021. It requires responsible parties (employers) to protect employees' personal information, use it only for lawful purposes and notify the Information Regulator of breaches. Payroll data — banking details, ID numbers, salary — is highly sensitive under POPIA.

    Automate POPIA in your payroll

    Payroll Africa handles POPIA calculations automatically for South African employers — SARS-aligned for 2026/27. From R90/month.

    Browse the full South African payroll glossary — 55 terms explained.

    Let payroll handle POPIA for you

    Payroll Africa calculates it automatically every month for South African employers — SARS-aligned, with payslips, EMP201 and IRP5 included.

    • No card required
    • 30-day free trial
    • Free migration from Sage, SimplePay, PaySpace or Excel
    • Cancel anytime

    Run Payroll Africa alongside your current system until you're happy to switch.