Privacy Policy for Vrieden.co.za
Effective Date: [16 July 2026] Last Updated: [16 July 2026]
Vrieden (referred to as “we”, “us”, or “our”) operates the website https://vrieden.co.za/. This Privacy Policy explains how we collect, use, disclose, and protect your personal information in accordance with the Protection of Personal Information Act (POPIA), 2013 (South Africa), and other applicable laws.
We are committed to protecting your privacy. By using our website, you agree to the practices described in this policy. If you do not agree, please do not use the site.
1. Who We Are (Responsible Party)
- Business Name: Vrieden (Vrieden Guesthouse / Accommodation)
- Physical Address: Off the N9, Middelburg area, Eastern Cape
- Contact Details: [Insert phone number] | [ info@vrieden.co.za]
- Information Officer: [Insert name or “The Owner/Manager”] Email: [Insert privacy/contact email]
You can contact us with any privacy-related questions or requests.
2. Information We Collect
We collect the following categories of personal information:
- Contact & Identity Information (via the basic contact form): Name, email address, phone number, and any message or enquiry details you provide.
- Technical & Usage Data (automatically via Google Site Kit and WordPress):
- IP address
- Browser type and version
- Device information
- Pages visited, time spent on site, and other analytics data
- Cookies and similar technologies
- Booking or Enquiry-Related Data (if you proceed beyond the contact form): Dates of stay, number of guests, special requests, etc. (handled via follow-up communication).
- Other: Any additional information you voluntarily provide.
We do not knowingly collect data from children under 18 without parental consent.
3. How and Why We Collect and Use Your Information (Purpose & Legal Basis)
Under POPIA, we process personal information for specific, lawful purposes:
- To respond to your enquiries and provide accommodation information or services (contractual necessity / legitimate interest).
- To improve our website, understand visitor behaviour, and enhance user experience (legitimate interest) — via Google Site Kit (which may include Google Analytics).
- To communicate with you about bookings, updates, or promotions (with your consent where required).
- For legal compliance, security, fraud prevention, and internal administration.
Google Site Kit helps us connect to Google services (e.g., Analytics, Search Console). Google may process technical data for analytics and site performance. We do not share your personal data with Google beyond what is necessary for these tools.
4. Cookies and Tracking Technologies
Our site uses cookies (including those from Google via Site Kit) for functionality, analytics, and performance. You can manage cookie preferences through your browser settings. For more details, see our [Cookie Policy] (if you create one) or contact us.
5. Sharing Your Information
We may share your personal information with:
- Trusted service providers (e.g., email hosting, web hosting, booking systems) who process data on our behalf and are bound by confidentiality and POPIA-compliant agreements.
- Google (for analytics via Site Kit) — subject to Google’s privacy practices.
- Legal authorities if required by law.
We do not sell your personal information. Any international transfers (e.g., to Google servers) are done with appropriate safeguards.
6. Data Security
We implement reasonable technical and organisational measures to protect your personal information against unauthorised access, loss, or misuse. However, no system is completely secure.
7. Data Retention
We retain your information only as long as necessary for the purposes outlined (e.g., responding to enquiries, legal obligations) or as required by law. Contact data from forms is typically kept for [e.g., 2 years] unless you request deletion.
8. Your Rights Under POPIA
You have the right to:
- Access your personal information
- Correct inaccurate or incomplete data
- Request deletion or restriction of processing (subject to legal obligations)
- Object to processing
- Withdraw consent (where applicable)
- Lodge a complaint with the Information Regulator (South Africa): [inforegulator.org.za]
To exercise these rights, contact our Information Officer at the details above. We will respond within a reasonable time (usually 30 days).
9. Changes to This Policy
We may update this Privacy Policy periodically. Changes will be posted here with an updated “Last Updated” date. Continued use of the site constitutes acceptance of the revised policy.
10. Contact Us
For any questions about this Privacy Policy or our data practices, please email [insert email] or write to us at the address above.