Privacy Policy

1. Introduction

SA PLUK ("we", "us", "our") is committed to protecting your privacy and ensuring the security of your personal information. This Privacy Policy explains how we collect, use, disclose, and safeguard your information when you visit our website at https://sapluk.co.za (the "Website").

This policy complies with the Protection of Personal Information Act, 2013 (POPIA) of South Africa. By using our Website, you consent to the data practices described in this policy.

2. Information We Collect

2.1 Information You Provide

We may collect personal information that you voluntarily provide when you:

• Contact us: Name, email address, phone number (optional), and message content
• Subscribe to our newsletter: Email address and name (optional)
• Comment on blog posts: Name, email address, and comment content (if enabled)

2.2 Calculator Data

Important: We do NOT store the financial data you enter into our calculators. Calculator inputs are:

• Processed in your browser or on our servers to generate results
• Not saved to any database
• Not associated with your identity
• Not shared with any third parties

2.3 Automatically Collected Information

When you visit our Website, we may automatically collect:

• Device information: Browser type, operating system, device type
• Usage data: Pages visited, time spent, referring website
• IP address: Used for security, analytics, and approximate location
• Cookies: Small data files stored on your device (see Section 7)

3. How We Use Your Information

We use the information we collect for the following purposes:

• To provide our services: Operating the Website and calculators
• To respond to enquiries: Replying to your contact form submissions
• To send communications: Newsletter updates (only if you subscribed)
• To improve our Website: Analyzing usage patterns to enhance user experience
• To ensure security: Detecting and preventing fraud or abuse
• To comply with law: Meeting legal obligations

4. Legal Basis for Processing (POPIA)

Under POPIA, we process your personal information based on:

• Consent: When you voluntarily provide information (e.g., contact form)
• Legitimate interest: For website analytics and security
• Legal obligation: When required by law
• Contract: To provide services you've requested

5. Information Sharing and Disclosure

We do NOT sell, trade, or rent your personal information to third parties. We may share information with:

• Service providers: Hosting, email, and analytics services that help us operate the Website (under strict confidentiality agreements)
• Legal authorities: When required by law, court order, or to protect our rights
• Business transfers: In the event of a merger, acquisition, or sale of assets

5.1 Third-Party Services

Our Website may use the following third-party services:

• Google Analytics: Website usage analytics (anonymized)
• Google AdSense: Advertising (in production only)
• Google reCAPTCHA: Spam prevention on forms
• Google Fonts: Typography

These services have their own privacy policies. We encourage you to review them.

6. Data Retention

We retain personal information only as long as necessary:

• Contact form submissions: Up to 2 years or until resolved
• Newsletter subscriptions: Until you unsubscribe
• Analytics data: Aggregated data retained indefinitely; individual data for 26 months
• Calculator data: Not retained (processed and discarded)

7. Cookies and Tracking Technologies

We use cookies and similar technologies to:

• Remember your preferences
• Analyze website traffic
• Deliver relevant advertisements
• Prevent fraud

7.1 Types of Cookies

• Essential cookies: Required for the Website to function (e.g., session cookies)
• Analytics cookies: Help us understand how visitors use the Website
• Advertising cookies: Used to deliver relevant ads (Google AdSense)

7.2 Managing Cookies

You can control cookies through your browser settings. Note that disabling cookies may affect Website functionality. Most browsers allow you to:

• View what cookies are stored
• Delete individual or all cookies
• Block third-party cookies
• Block all cookies

8. Your Rights Under POPIA

As a data subject under POPIA, you have the right to:

• Access: Request a copy of your personal information we hold
• Correction: Request correction of inaccurate information
• Deletion: Request deletion of your personal information
• Object: Object to processing of your information
• Withdraw consent: Withdraw previously given consent
• Data portability: Request your data in a portable format
• Lodge a complaint: Complain to the Information Regulator

To exercise these rights, contact us at info@sapluk.co.za. We will respond within 30 days.

9. Data Security

We implement appropriate technical and organizational measures to protect your personal information, including:

• SSL/TLS encryption for data in transit
• Secure server infrastructure
• Access controls and authentication
• Regular security assessments
• Employee training on data protection

However, no method of transmission over the Internet is 100% secure. While we strive to protect your information, we cannot guarantee absolute security.

10. International Data Transfers

Your information may be transferred to and processed in countries outside South Africa where our service providers are located. We ensure appropriate safeguards are in place to protect your information in accordance with POPIA.

11. Children's Privacy

Our Website is not intended for children under 18 years of age. We do not knowingly collect personal information from children. If you believe we have collected information from a child, please contact us immediately.

12. Third-Party Links

Our Website may contain links to third-party websites. We are not responsible for the privacy practices of these websites. We encourage you to read their privacy policies.

13. Changes to This Policy

We may update this Privacy Policy from time to time. Changes will be posted on this page with an updated "Last updated" date. We encourage you to review this policy periodically.

For significant changes, we may provide additional notice (e.g., email notification or prominent website notice).

14. Information Regulator

If you have concerns about how we handle your personal information, you may lodge a complaint with the Information Regulator of South Africa:

15. Contact Us

If you have questions about this Privacy Policy or our data practices, please contact us: