Privacy Policy
1. Introduction
Connected Development NPC (“Connected Development”, “we”, “us”, or “our”) respects your privacy and is committed to protecting your personal information in accordance with the Protection of Personal Information Act 4 of 2013 (POPIA).
This Privacy Policy explains how we collect, use, store, share, and protect your personal information when you:
-
Use our website
-
Participate in our programmes, events, or community spaces
-
Purchase products or services
-
Engage with us in any other way
By accessing or using our website or services, you agree to this Privacy Policy and our Terms & Conditions.
2. What Information We Collect
We may collect and process the following categories of personal information:
2.1 Personal Information
-
Name and surname
-
Email address
-
Phone number
-
Physical or postal address
-
Login credentials (where applicable)
-
Communications, feedback, and responses
2.2 Programme & Participation Information
Where you engage in programmes or events, we may collect:
-
Registration details
-
Attendance and participation data
-
Reflections, inputs, or shared content (where voluntarily provided)
We recognise that some programme spaces may involve personal or sensitive sharing. Participation in such sharing is always voluntary.
2.3 Transaction Information
-
Purchase history
-
Billing and delivery details
-
Payment confirmations
Payment details are processed securely through third-party providers. We do not store full card details.
2.4 Technical Information
-
IP address
-
Browser and device type
-
Pages visited and session activity
-
Cookies and usage data
3. How We Collect Information
We collect information when you:
-
Complete forms on our website
-
Register for programmes or events
-
Make purchases
-
Subscribe to communications
-
Contact us directly (email, phone, forms)
-
Interact with our website (via cookies and analytics tools)
4. Why We Collect and Use Information
We process personal information to:
-
Deliver programmes, services, and events
-
Process transactions and manage orders
-
Communicate with you (updates, confirmations, support)
-
Improve our website, services, and user experience
-
Ensure safe and respectful participation spaces
-
Meet legal, regulatory, and reporting obligations
We aim to use your information in ways that are necessary, proportionate, and aligned with our values of care and accountability.
5. Legal Basis for Processing (POPIA)
We process your personal information based on:
-
Consent – where you have agreed to data processing
-
Contractual necessity – to provide services or fulfil agreements
-
Legitimate interests – to improve services and operations
Legal obligations – where required by law
6. Storage, Security, and Safeguards
We take reasonable technical and organisational measures to protect your personal information.
Your data may be stored using secure platforms such as:
-
Wix
-
Google Workspace
Security measures include:
-
Restricted access to authorised personnel
-
Secure servers and encryption (where applicable)
-
Regular monitoring of systems
While we take reasonable steps, no system is completely secure. Use of our services is at your own risk.
7. Sharing of Personal Information
We do not sell or rent your personal information.
We may share your data with:
-
Service providers (e.g. hosting, email, payment processing)
-
Programme partners (where necessary and with appropriate safeguards)
-
Legal or regulatory authorities (if required by law)
All third parties are required to handle your information securely and lawfully.
8. International Data Transfers
Some of our service providers may process data outside South Africa.
Where this occurs, we ensure:
-
Adequate data protection safeguards are in place
-
Transfers comply with POPIA requirements
9. Cookies and Tracking Technologies
We use cookies and similar technologies to:
-
Improve website functionality
-
Analyse usage and performance
-
Enhance user experience
You can manage cookie preferences through your browser settings.
10. Data Retention
We retain personal information:
-
Only as long as necessary for the purpose it was collected
-
As required by law or reporting obligations
When no longer needed, data is securely deleted or anonymised.
11. Programme Spaces, Confidentiality, and Consent
Connected Development facilitates spaces that may involve:
-
Personal reflection
-
Group dialogue
-
Shared lived experiences
We commit to:
-
Encouraging confidentiality and respectful engagement
-
Not recording or sharing personal disclosures without consent
However:
-
We cannot guarantee confidentiality of information shared by participants within group settings
Participants are responsible for what they choose to share.
12. Direct Marketing and Communications
We may send you:
-
Programme updates
-
Event invitations
-
Relevant communications
You may:
-
Opt out at any time via unsubscribe links or by contacting us
We will not send marketing communications without your consent where required by law.
13. Your Rights Under POPIA
You have the right to:
-
Access your personal information
-
Request correction or deletion
-
Object to or restrict processing
-
Withdraw consent at any time
-
Lodge a complaint with the Information Regulator
To exercise your rights, contact us using the details below.
14. Third-Party Links and Services
Our website may contain links to third-party websites.
We are not responsible for:
-
Their privacy practices
-
Their content or data handling
Use of third-party services is at your own discretion.
15. Changes to This Policy
We may update this Privacy Policy from time to time.
Updates will:
-
Be posted on this page
-
Take effect upon publication
Continued use of our services constitutes acceptance of any updates.
16. Media, Photography & Content Consent
Connected Development may document aspects of our work through:
-
Photography
-
Video recordings
-
Audio recordings
-
Written stories, reflections, or testimonials
This may take place during:
-
Programmes and workshops
-
Events and retreats
-
Community gatherings
16.1 Purpose of Media Use
Media may be used for:
-
Communication and storytelling
-
Reporting to partners and funders
-
Advocacy and awareness
-
Website, social media, and promotional materials
We aim to represent individuals and communities with dignity, accuracy, and respect.
16.2 Consent-Based Approach
We are committed to informed and voluntary consent.
-
You will be informed if media is being captured
-
You will have the option to opt in or opt out
-
Where required, we may request written or verbal consent
Participation in programmes does not automatically imply consent to being photographed or recorded.
16.3 Your Rights
You have the right to:
-
Decline being photographed, recorded, or featured
-
Request that specific images or content not be used
-
Withdraw consent at any time (subject to reasonable limitations where content has already been published)
To exercise these rights, you may contact us at any time.
16.4 Group Settings and Shared Spaces
In group settings:
-
We will clearly indicate when media is being captured
-
We encourage all participants to respect each other’s boundaries
However, Connected Development cannot fully control:
-
Media captured by other participants
-
Sharing of content by third parties
We ask all participants to act with care, consent, and accountability.
16.5 Sensitive Content and Safeguarding
We recognise that some of our work involves:
-
Personal stories
-
Lived experiences
-
Sensitive or vulnerable contexts
In such cases:
-
We will take extra care in how content is captured and used
-
We may anonymise identities where appropriate
-
We will not share sensitive content without explicit consent
16.6 Ownership and Use
Unless otherwise agreed:
-
Media captured by Connected Development remains our property
-
Use of such media will align with this Privacy Policy
Where individuals contribute stories or testimonials:
-
We will seek permission before public use
-
We will honour any agreed limitations on use
17. Contact Information
Connected Development NPC
Website: https://www.connecteddev.org/
Email: hello@connecteddev.org