Privacy Policy
This Privacy Policy explains how The Dust Busters collects, uses, discloses, and safeguards your information when you use our services in compliance with South African data protection laws, including the Protection of Personal Information Act (POPIA).
Last Updated: 15 October 2023
POPIA Compliance Notice
The Dust Busters is committed to complying with the Protection of Personal Information Act (POPIA) of South Africa. We process personal information lawfully and responsibly, respecting your privacy and protecting your personal information.
1. Information We Collect
Personal Information
We may collect personal information that can identify you, including but not limited to:
- Full name and contact details (email address, phone number, physical address)
- Identity number or passport number for verification purposes
- Billing information and payment details
- Property information and access details
- Emergency contact information
- Preferences and special requirements for cleaning services
Non-Personal Information
We may also collect non-personal information about your interaction with our services, including:
- Browser type and version
- IP address and general location data
- Pages visited on our website
- Service preferences and feedback
Special Personal Information
In limited circumstances, we may process special personal information as defined by POPIA, such as information about health conditions that may affect our service delivery (e.g., allergies to cleaning products). We will only process this information with your explicit consent or when required by law.
2. How We Use Your Information
We use the information we collect for the following purposes:
Service Provision
- To provide, maintain, and improve our cleaning services
- To schedule and manage cleaning appointments
- To customize our services according to your preferences
- To communicate with you about your appointments and service updates
Business Operations
- To process payments and send invoices
- To maintain our accounting records as required by South African law
- To manage our relationship with you as a customer
- To conduct internal research and analysis to improve our services
Legal Compliance
- To comply with applicable laws and regulations, including tax laws and POPIA
- To protect our rights, property, or safety, and that of our customers or others
- To prevent fraudulent activities and ensure the security of our services
Marketing
With your consent, we may use your contact information to send you promotional materials, special offers, or information about new services. You can opt out of marketing communications at any time.
3. Information Sharing and Disclosure
We do not sell, trade, or otherwise transfer your personal information to third parties without your consent, except in the following circumstances:
Service Providers
We may share your information with trusted third-party service providers who assist us in operating our business, such as:
- Payment processors (like PayFast, Yoco, or bank institutions)
- IT service providers and hosting companies
- Marketing and communication platforms
- Subcontracted cleaning staff (limited to necessary information only)
These third parties are contractually obligated to keep your information confidential and use it only for the purposes for which we disclose it to them.
Legal Requirements
We may disclose your information if required to do so by law or in response to valid requests by public authorities (e.g., a court or government agency).
Business Transfers
In the event of a merger, acquisition, or sale of all or a portion of our assets, your personal information may be transferred to the new entity, subject to the same privacy protections.
Cross-Border Transfers
As a South African company, we primarily store and process your information within South Africa. If we need to transfer your information outside South Africa, we will ensure adequate protection as required by POPIA.
4. Data Security
We implement appropriate technical and organizational security measures to protect your personal information against unauthorized access, alteration, disclosure, or destruction. These measures include:
- Secure servers and network infrastructure
- Encryption of sensitive data during transmission and storage
- Access controls and authentication mechanisms
- Regular security assessments and updates
- Physical security measures for our offices and storage facilities
- Confidentiality agreements with employees and contractors
Despite our efforts, no security measures are completely impenetrable. We cannot guarantee the absolute security of your information.
Data Retention
We retain your personal information only for as long as necessary to fulfill the purposes for which it was collected, including for the purposes of satisfying any legal, accounting, or reporting requirements. In accordance with South African law, we typically retain customer records for a minimum of 5 years.
5. Your Rights Under POPIA
As a data subject under POPIA, you have the following rights regarding your personal information:
Right to Access
You have the right to request access to the personal information we hold about you.
Right to Correction
You may request that we correct, update, or delete any inaccurate or incomplete personal information we hold about you.
Right to Object
You may object to the processing of your personal information in certain circumstances, including for direct marketing purposes.
Right to Complain
You have the right to lodge a complaint with the Information Regulator if you believe we have not complied with POPIA.
Right to Withdraw Consent
Where we rely on your consent to process your personal information, you have the right to withdraw that consent at any time.
Exercising Your Rights
To exercise any of these rights, please contact us using the details provided in the "Contact Us" section below. We may need to verify your identity before processing your request.
7. Children's Privacy
Our services are not directed to individuals under the age of 18. We do not knowingly collect personal information from children. If you are a parent or guardian and believe that your child has provided us with personal information, please contact us, and we will take steps to delete such information.
8. Changes to This Privacy Policy
We may update this Privacy Policy from time to time to reflect changes in our practices, technology, legal requirements, or other factors. We will notify you of any material changes by posting the updated policy on our website with a new "Last Updated" date. We encourage you to review this Privacy Policy periodically to stay informed about how we are protecting your information.
9. Contact Us
If you have any questions, concerns, or requests regarding this Privacy Policy or our handling of your personal information, please contact us:
Information Officer
The Dust Busters (Pty) Ltd
Email: info@thedustbusters.co.za
Phone: 081 333 4351
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:
Email: complaints.IR@justice.gov.za
Website: www.justice.gov.za/inforeg