In 2025, building a website for your South African business involves more than just good design and fast performance. Two critical components, **web accessibility** and **POPIA compliance**, are now essential for legal reasons, ethical considerations, and building customer trust. This practical checklist will help you cover the basics for both.

A lock and accessibility icon symbolizing POPIA and WCAG compliance

Part 1: Web Accessibility (WCAG 2.2) Checklist

Web accessibility ensures that people with disabilities can use your website. The international standard is the Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG). Here’s a simplified checklist based on its core principles.

Perceivable: Can everyone see and hear your content?

  • Alt Text for Images: Every meaningful image must have descriptive `alt` text (e.g., `alt="A customer smiling while using our product"`). Decorative images should have empty `alt=""`.
  • High-Contrast Text: Ensure your text has a contrast ratio of at least 4.5:1 against its background. Use a tool like the WebAIM Contrast Checker.
  • Captions for Videos: All pre-recorded video content must have accurate, synchronized captions.

Operable: Can everyone navigate your site?

  • Keyboard Navigation: Unplug your mouse and try to navigate your entire website using only the Tab key. Every interactive element (links, buttons, forms) must be reachable and usable.
  • Visible Focus States: When you tab through your site, there must be a clear visual indicator (like a blue outline) showing which element is currently selected.
  • Descriptive Link Text: Avoid generic links like "Click Here." Instead, use descriptive text like "Read our latest case study."

Quick Test: The "Skip to Main Content" Link

A "skip to main content" link is the first element that should appear when you press the Tab key on a page. It allows keyboard and screen reader users to bypass the navigation and jump directly to the main content. If your site doesn't have one, it's a red flag for accessibility.

Part 2: POPIA Compliance Checklist

The Protection of Personal Information Act (POPIA) governs how you collect, store, and use customer data. Non-compliance can lead to heavy fines.

Consent and Transparency

  • Clear Privacy Policy: Your website must have a privacy policy written in plain English that explains what data you collect, why you collect it, and how you use it.
  • Active Opt-In for Marketing: For newsletters and marketing emails, you must use an unchecked checkbox. Users must actively choose to opt in.
  • Cookie Consent Banner: Your cookie banner must not have pre-ticked boxes for non-essential cookies (like analytics or marketing). It should offer "Accept All" and "Decline" or "Manage Preferences" options.

Data Management

  • Collect Only What You Need: Your contact form should only ask for information that is absolutely necessary to respond to the inquiry.
  • Secure Your Forms: Ensure your website uses HTTPS (the lock icon in the browser) to encrypt data submitted through forms.
  • Provide User Rights: Your privacy policy should clearly state how a user can request to see, correct, or delete their personal information.

Unsure if Your Website is Compliant?

Compliance can be complex. We offer professional website audits that check for accessibility issues and POPIA compliance, providing you with a clear action plan to protect your business and serve your customers better.

Request a Free Audit

Conclusion

Building an accessible and compliant website is not just about avoiding legal trouble; it's about building trust. A website that is easy for everyone to use and respects user privacy is a powerful asset that demonstrates your commitment to your customers. Use this checklist to audit your site and make the necessary improvements today.