Introduction
EcoLink (the “Organisation”, “we”, “us” or “our”) respects your right to privacy and is committed to protecting the personal information you provide to us. This privacy policy explains how we collect, process, use and protect your personal information in accordance with the Protection of Personal Information Act (POPIA), Act No. 4 of 2013 of South Africa.
2. Application of this Policy
This policy applies to all personal information collected through our website (https://ecolink.net.za/) and through forms where you may provide information to subscribe to updates or newsletters.
3. Personal Information We May Collect
We may collect personal information you voluntarily provide, including: your name, email address, and any other contact details when you subscribe to a newsletter or otherwise contact us. We do not collect sensitive personal information such as identity numbers without lawful basis. Collection only occurs when you actively provide the information.
4. How We Use Your Personal Information
We only use your personal information for specific, lawful purposes including:
• Sending you newsletters and updates where you have explicitly opted in.
• Responding to queries or requests you send to us.
• Improving communication with our supporters.
We only process your personal information if you have given explicit consent, as required by POPIA.
5. Use of Third-Party Newsletter Service
When you subscribe to our newsletter, your contact details are forwarded to a third-party email service provider solely for the purpose of delivering the newsletter. EcoLink does not store this personal information on the ecolink.net.za web server. The third-party service may have its own privacy policy that governs how your data is processed and stored. You should review that policy before subscribing.
6. Cookies and Technical Data
Our website uses cookies to improve your browsing experience. Cookies do not by themselves identify an individual but may collect technical data (such as browser type and session information). You agree to our cookie use by browsing the website.
7. Sharing and Disclosure
We do not sell or rent your personal information to third parties for marketing. We may share personal information with:
• Service providers who assist us in delivering newsletters or website services.
• Legal or regulatory authorities where required by law.
Third parties that process data on our behalf are bound to handle it in compliance with POPIA and only for the purposes we specify.
8. Your Rights – POPIA
You have the following rights under POPIA:
• Request confirmation if we hold personal information about you.
• Request access to that personal information.
• Ask for correction or deletion of inaccurate, outdated or excessive information.
• Withdraw consent to processing (for example, unsubscribe from our newsletters).
To exercise these rights, contact us using the details below.
9. Security of Your Personal Information
We take reasonable steps to secure your personal information against loss, unauthorised access, disclosure, or modification. However, no method of transmission or electronic storage is completely secure.
10. Links to Other Websites
Our website may contain links to other sites. We are not responsible for the content or privacy practices of those sites. You should read their privacy policies separately.
11. Changes to This Privacy Policy
We may update this policy at any time. Changes will be posted on this page with a revised date.
12. Contact Information – Responsible Party
EcoLink
Email: info@ecolink.net.za
Attention Information Officer
This policy is effective from the date published and meets POPIA standards for responsible processing of personal information.