Privacy Policy
Your privacy is important to us. This policy explains how we collect, use, and protect your personal information.
Last Updated: January 2025
1. Introduction
VAZO Foundation NPC ("we," "us," or "our") is committed to protecting your personal information and your right to privacy. This Privacy Policy describes how we collect, use, disclose, and safeguard your information when you visit our website or use our services.
We are registered as a Non-Profit Company (NPC) in South Africa and comply with the Protection of Personal Information Act (POPIA) and other applicable data protection regulations.
2. Information We Collect
We collect information that you voluntarily provide to us when you:
- Register for programs or services
- Submit volunteer applications
- Make donations or process payments
- Contact us through forms or email
- Subscribe to newsletters or updates
- Participate in surveys or feedback forms
Types of personal information we may collect include:
Contact Information: Name, email address, phone number, physical address
Demographic Information: Age, gender, date of birth, ethnicity (optional)
Professional Information: Employment status, education level, skills and qualifications
Financial Information: Payment details for donations (processed securely through third-party payment processors)
Program-Specific Information: Emergency contacts, medical information (if relevant), program preferences
Technical Information: IP address, browser type, device information, cookies
3. Purpose of Processing
We process your personal information for the following purposes in accordance with POPIA:
| Category | Purpose | Examples |
|---|---|---|
| Service Delivery | To provide and manage our programs and services | Program enrollment, volunteer coordination, support services |
| Communication | To communicate with you about our activities | Newsletters, program updates, event invitations |
| Legal Compliance | To comply with legal obligations | Tax reporting, safeguarding requirements, regulatory compliance |
| Improvement & Research | To improve our services and understand impact | Program evaluation, impact assessment, service improvement |
4. Legal Basis for Processing
Under POPIA, we process your personal information based on:
- Consent: When you explicitly agree to provide your information
- Contractual Necessity: To fulfill our obligations in providing services to you
- Legal Obligation: To comply with legal requirements (e.g., safeguarding, tax laws)
- Legitimate Interests: For our organizational operations, provided your rights are not overridden
5. How We Share Your Information
We do not sell your personal information. We may share your information with:
Service Providers
Third-party vendors who assist with operations (e.g., email services, payment processors, database management)
Partner Organizations
Trusted partners who collaborate on programs (only with your consent and as necessary)
Legal Authorities
When required by law or to protect the safety of individuals (e.g., safeguarding concerns)
Funders & Donors
Anonymized aggregate data for reporting purposes (no personal identifiers)
6. Data Security
We implement appropriate technical and organizational measures to protect your personal information, including:
- Encryption of sensitive data (SSL/TLS)
- Secure servers and databases
- Access controls and authentication
- Regular security audits and updates
- Staff training on data protection
However, no method of transmission over the internet is 100% secure. We cannot guarantee absolute security but will notify you of any data breaches as required by law.
7. Data Retention
We retain your personal information only for as long as necessary to fulfill the purposes outlined in this policy, unless a longer retention period is required by law. Typical retention periods include:
- Program Participants: Duration of participation + 7 years (for safeguarding and legal compliance)
- Volunteers: Duration of volunteering + 7 years
- Donors: 7 years (for tax and accounting purposes)
- Website Users: As necessary for the purpose collected
8. Your Rights (POPIA)
Under the Protection of Personal Information Act (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 information (subject to legal obligations)
Objection
Object to processing of your information
Restriction
Request restriction of processing
Withdraw Consent
Withdraw consent at any time (where processing is based on consent)
To exercise these rights, please contact us at info@vazofoundation.org. We will respond within 30 days.
9. Children's Privacy
We are committed to protecting the privacy of children and young people. We only collect personal information from children with parental or guardian consent. If we become aware that we have collected information from a child without proper consent, we will take steps to delete it.
10. Cookies and Tracking
Our website uses cookies and similar tracking technologies to improve user experience. You can control cookie settings through your browser. Types of cookies we use:
- Essential Cookies: Required for website functionality
- Analytics Cookies: Help us understand how visitors use our site
- Preference Cookies: Remember your settings and preferences
11. 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. Continued use of our services after changes constitutes acceptance of the updated policy.
12. Contact Us
If you have any questions, concerns, or requests regarding this Privacy Policy or our data practices, please contact us:
VAZO Foundation NPC
Email: info@vazofoundation.org
Phone: +27 (0)21 XXX XXXX
Address: Pelican Park, Cape Town, South Africa
Information Regulator: If you are not satisfied with our response, you have the right to lodge a complaint with the Information Regulator of South Africa at www.justice.gov.za/inforeg
© 2025 VAZO Foundation NPC. All rights reserved.
Registered Non-Profit Company in South Africa