There are seven core dimensions to the POPIA that seek to protect personal information of the public. According to the findings of the Information Regulator, Stats SA meets all seven criteria, and is thus compliant with the Act. Section three of the POPIA provides that the POPIA may not be interpreted in a manner that prevents any public or private body from exercising its powers and duties in terms of the law, in so far as that law relates to the processing of personal information.

This means that you may not refuse to participate in surveys and censuses by relying on the POPIA as this will prevent Stats SA from exercising its powers and duties in terms of the Statistics Act and you will be contravening section 16(2) of the Stats Act.