1. Introduction

This Privacy Policy describes how Vunanga ("we", "us", or "our") collects, uses, processes, and protects personal information when you access or use our platform (the "Platform").

By using the Platform, you acknowledge that your personal information will be processed in accordance with this Privacy Policy.

2. Information We Collect

2.1 Information You Provide

When you create an account or interact with the Platform, we may collect:

• Display name;
• Email address;
• Account credentials (passwords are stored using secure one-way hashing);

If you register or log in via third-party authentication providers (e.g. Google or Facebook), we may receive limited profile information such as your name and email address, subject to your provider's permissions.

2.2 Usage Information

We collect information about how you interact with the Platform, including:

• Pages viewed and features used;
• Interactions with charts, ratings, and alerts;
• Preferences, including notification and radio play alert settings.

2.3 Device and Technical Information

We may automatically collect certain technical data, including:

• IP address;
• Browser type and version (user-agent string);
• Device type and operating system;

This information is used for security, fraud prevention, analytics, and service optimisation.

3. Lawful Basis for Processing (POPIA)

We process personal information in accordance with the Protection of Personal Information Act, 4 of 2013 ("POPIA"), on the following lawful bases:

• Your consent;
• Performance of a contract (providing the Platform);
• Compliance with legal obligations;
• Our legitimate interests, including maintaining, securing, and improving the Platform.

4. How We Use Your Information

We use personal information to:

• Provide, operate, and maintain the Platform;
• Authenticate users and manage accounts;
• Deliver notifications and alerts you have opted into;
• Send essential service communications (e.g. verification emails, security notices);
• Improve functionality, performance, and user experience;
• Monitor, detect, and prevent fraud, abuse, and security threats;
• Comply with applicable legal and regulatory obligations.

5. Cookies and Similar Technologies

We use cookies, local storage, and similar technologies to:

• Enable core platform functionality (e.g. authentication and session management);
• Remember user preferences;
• Analyse usage and performance;
• Where applicable, support advertising and measurement.

Some technologies are strictly necessary and cannot be disabled. Others may be controlled through your browser settings or any consent tools we provide. Continued use of the Platform constitutes consent to the use of such technologies, where required by law.

6. Disclosure and Sharing of Information

We do not sell personal information.

We may share personal information with:

• Service providers and infrastructure partners who assist in operating the Platform;
• Third-party services integrated into the Platform (where applicable);
• Professional advisors (e.g. legal, audit);

Such disclosures are limited to what is reasonably necessary and subject to appropriate confidentiality and security obligations.

We may also disclose information where required or permitted by law, including in response to lawful requests from regulators, courts, or law enforcement authorities in South Africa.

7. Cross-Border Data Transfers

Your information may be processed or stored in jurisdictions outside South Africa where our service providers operate.

Where such transfers occur, we take reasonable steps to ensure that adequate safeguards are in place to protect your personal information in accordance with POPIA.

8. Data Retention

We retain personal information only for as long as necessary to fulfil the purposes for which it was collected, including:

• As long as your account remains active;
• As required to comply with legal, regulatory, or reporting obligations;
• As necessary to resolve disputes and enforce agreements.

You may request deletion of your account and associated personal information, subject to applicable legal retention requirements.

9. Your Rights Under POPIA

Subject to applicable law, you have the right to:

• Access personal information we hold about you;
• Request correction or updating of inaccurate or incomplete information;
• Request deletion of your personal information;
• Object to or restrict certain processing activities;
• Withdraw consent where processing is based on consent;
• Lodge a complaint with the Information Regulator of South Africa.

Requests may be subject to identity verification and applicable legal limitations.

10. Information Security

We implement appropriate technical and organisational measures to protect personal information against unauthorised access, loss, misuse, or disclosure.

While we take reasonable steps to secure data, no system can be guaranteed to be completely secure. We continuously review and improve our security practices in line with industry standards.

11. Children's Privacy

The Platform is not intended for individuals under the age of 18 without appropriate parental or guardian consent. We do not knowingly collect personal information from minors in violation of applicable law.

12. Changes to This Privacy Policy

We may update this Privacy Policy from time to time.

Material changes will be communicated through appropriate channels, including email or in-platform notifications. Continued use of the Platform after such updates constitutes acceptance of the revised policy.

13. Contact Information

For any privacy-related queries or requests, please contact:

Email: hello@vunanga.com

Platform: Contact page