1. Introduction

Songiwe Group (Pty) Ltd (“we,” “our,” or “us”) is committed to protecting your privacy and ensuring the security of your personal information. This Privacy Policy explains how we collect, use, store, and safeguard your information when you use our services, visit our website [www.songiwegroup.co.za], or interact with us. We comply with the South African Protection of Personal Information Act (POPIA) and other relevant data protection laws. By using our services, you consent to the practices described in this policy.

2. Information We Collect

We may collect the following types of personal information to provide our services effectively:
• Personal Identifiers: Your full name, identity number, passport number, and date of birth.
• Contact Information: Your physical address, email address, and telephone numbers.
• Financial and Tax Information: For accounting and tax services, this may include bank statements, financial records, tax reference numbers, and income details.
• Company Information: Company registration number, directors’ details, beneficial ownership information, shareholding structures, and B-BBEE information.
• Technical Data: When you visit our website, we may collect your IP address, browser type, pages visited, and other analytics data through cookies.
• Correspondence: Records of our interactions via email, WhatsApp, telephone calls, or contact forms.

3. How We Use Your Information

We use the information we collect for the following lawful purposes:
• To Provide Our Services: To register your company, file documents with CIPC and SARS, manage your bookkeeping, prepare financial statements, and provide all other services you have requested.
• For Verification and Compliance: To perform FICA/Know-Your-Customer (KYC) checks, verify your identity, and comply with our legal obligations under South African law.
• For Communication: To contact you regarding your service requests, provide updates, and respond to your inquiries.
• For Billing and Administration: To process payments, issue invoices, and manage your account.
• For Service Improvement: To analyse website usage and improve our service offerings and customer experience.
• For Marketing (with consent): To send you promotional materials about our services. You may opt out of these communications at any time.

4. How We Share Your Information

We treat your information as confidential. We will only share it with third parties in the following circumstances:
• With Government Bodies: We are required to submit your personal information to entities like the Companies and Intellectual Property Commission (CIPC), the South African Revenue Service (SARS), and the Department of Labour to fulfil our services.
• With Your Consent: We may share information with other third parties, such as your bank or other advisors, only when you have given us explicit permission to do so.
• With Service Providers: We may use trusted third-party service providers (e.g., for cloud storage or payment processing) who are bound by strict confidentiality agreements.
• As Required by Law: We may disclose your information if required to do so by law, a court order, or
to protect our rights, property, or safety.

5. Data Security

We implement appropriate technical and organisational security measures to prevent unauthorised access, loss, or damage to your personal information. These measures include secure servers, encryption, and access controls. While we take all reasonable steps, no data transmission over the Internet can be guaranteed as 100% secure.

6. Data Retention

We will not retain your personal information for longer than necessary. We are legally obliged to retain certain financial and company records for a prescribed period (e.g., 5 years under the Companies Act and Tax Administration Act). After this period, or once the information is no longer needed, we will securely destroy or delete it.

7. Your Rights Under POPIA

You have the right to:
• Access: Request a copy of the personal information we hold about you.
• Correction: Request that we correct or update any inaccurate or incomplete information.
• Deletion: Request that we delete your personal information, subject to our legal obligations to retain it.
• Objection: Object to the processing of your personal information for direct marketing.
• Lodge a Complaint: Lodge a complaint with the Information Regulator of South Africa.
To exercise any of these rights, please contact us using the details in Section 9.

8. Cookies and Tracking

Our website may use “cookies” to enhance your experience. You can set your browser to refuse cookies or to indicate when a cookie is being sent.

9. Contact Us

If you have any questions, concerns, or requests regarding this Privacy Policy or your personal information, please contact our Information Officer:
Email: [info@songiwegroup.co.za] or [sales@songiwegroup.co.za]
Phone/WhatsApp: [063 6080 812]
Website: www.songiwegroup.co.za

10. Changes to This Policy

We may update this Privacy Policy from time to time. The latest version will always be posted on our website with the effective date.

Founder & CEO:

Signature:

By: Mr. Mboniso Nozibele
Date: 08 August 2023