Privacy Policy

1. Introduction

Hope Family Church ('we', 'us', 'our') values your privacy and is committed to protecting your personal information in accordance with the Protection of Personal Information Act (POPIA).

This policy explains what data we collect, how we use it, and your rights.

2. Information We Collect

We collect the following information when you interact with the Hope Events website:

• Account Information: name, email address, phone number, and password (encrypted).

• Event Information: events you register for, ticket selections, and related preferences.

• Payment Information: processed by Yoco; we receive only payment status and reference numbers.

• Communication Data: emails or messages exchanged with our team.

We do not collect or store credit card numbers or bank details.

Administrator-created accounts (e.g. walk-in event registrations) may be created with a mobile number only. These accounts use a placeholder email address and can be activated by the account holder at any time.

3. How We Use Your Information

We use your information to:

• Process event registrations and payments.

• Communicate event updates, confirmations, or changes via email and/or WhatsApp (based on your preference).

• Send security notifications for new logins, password changes, and account actions on your account.

• Deliver your event tickets via email attachment and/or WhatsApp PDF (based on your preference).

• Manage user accounts and event attendance records.

• Improve our website and event experience.

• Comply with legal obligations.

4. WhatsApp Communications

If you choose 'WhatsApp' or 'Both' as your notification preference, we will use your South African mobile number to send you messages via WhatsApp. These messages may include:

• Event registration confirmations and updates.

• Payment receipts.

• Your event tickets (as a PDF document).

• Security alerts such as new login notifications, password changes, and account closure confirmations.

WhatsApp communications are delivered through WAWP (wawp.net), a third-party WhatsApp Business API provider. Your mobile number is transmitted to WAWP solely for the purpose of delivering your messages. WAWP does not retain your data beyond what is necessary for message delivery.

Security-critical messages (login alerts, password resets, account closures) are always sent via email regardless of your preference, and additionally sent via WhatsApp if your preference includes it.

You may change your notification preference at any time from the Profile & Security page in your account. Selecting 'Email only' will stop WhatsApp messages from being sent to you.

For accounts registered without a valid email address (e.g. walk-in or at-the-door registrations), WhatsApp will be used as the primary delivery channel for payment confirmations and ticket delivery, regardless of notification preference, since email is unavailable.

If your account requires activation and no email address is on file, the activation link will be sent to your WhatsApp number instead.

WhatsApp is a product of Meta Platforms, Inc. By receiving WhatsApp messages from us, you are subject to WhatsApp's own Terms of Service and Privacy Policy.

5. Where We Store Your Data

All data is securely stored on cloud servers hosted by Host Africa, located in South Africa.

We use appropriate technical and organisational measures to protect your information from unauthorised access, alteration, or disclosure.

6. Data Retention

We retain your personal data for up to 5 years after your last event registration, or until you request deletion of your account — whichever comes first.

You can delete your account and associated data at any time from the Profile & Security page in your account, or by contacting our Information Officer (see section 13).

7. Children and Minors

Users under 18 may only create an account or register for events with the consent and supervision of a parent or guardian.

We do not knowingly collect or process personal information of minors without such consent.

8. Sharing of Information

We do not sell, rent, or share your personal information with any third parties.

The only exceptions are:

• Processing payments securely through Yoco (a South African payment processor).

• Delivering WhatsApp messages through WAWP (wawp.net), a WhatsApp Business API provider — only your mobile number and message content are shared, solely for delivery purposes.

• Where required by South African law.

9. Your Rights (under POPIA)

Under POPIA, you have the right to:

• Access your personal information.

• Request correction or deletion of your data.

• Withdraw consent for processing.

• Lodge a complaint with the Information Regulator of South Africa.

To contact the Information Regulator:

• Website: www.inforeg.org.za

• Email: enquiries@inforeg.org.za

To exercise your rights directly with us, contact our Information Officer using the details in section 13 below.

10. Cookies and Local Storage

This website uses browser localStorage to store your login session token and user interface preferences (such as dismissed notifications). No third-party cookies, tracking pixels, or analytics tools are used.

You can clear your browser's local storage at any time through your browser settings, which will log you out of the site.

11. Security

Your personal data is encrypted during transmission and stored using industry-standard security protocols.

Passwords are encrypted and cannot be viewed by anyone, including administrators.

In the event of a data breach that poses a risk to your rights, we will notify you and the Information Regulator of South Africa as required under POPIA section 22, without unreasonable delay.

12. Changes to This Policy

We may update this Privacy Policy periodically.

Any changes will be posted on this page with an updated effective date.

13. Information Officer

The Information Officer responsible for overseeing compliance with POPIA on behalf of Hope Family Church is:

• Name: Joshua Oosthuizen

• Email: joshua@crosscode.co.za

You may contact the Information Officer for any POPIA-related requests, including access to your personal data, requests for correction or deletion, and formal complaints.

14. Contact

For general privacy-related questions or requests, you can also contact us at:

📧 admin@hopehenley.co.za