1. Introduction
Last Updated: 29 November 2024
UmmahAid (“we”, “our”, “us”) is committed to protecting the privacy and security of all visitors, applicants, beneficiaries, donors, and partners who interact with our website and digital platforms. This Privacy Policy explains how we collect, use, store, and safeguard personal information in accordance with the Protection of Personal Information Act (POPIA) and other applicable laws.
1. Information We Collect
We may collect the following types of personal information:
1.1 Information You Provide Directly
Full name
Email address
Contact number
ID number (when required for verification purposes)
Application details
Donation-related information
Messages or queries submitted via our forms
Documents uploaded by users (e.g., proof of income, IDs)
1.2 Information Collected Automatically
When you use the website, we may collect:
IP address
Browser type
Device details
Usage statistics (pages visited, session duration)
Cookies and similar tracking technologies
1.3 Information Collected from Third Parties
Where necessary, and with consent, we may verify details using:
Public records
Partner NGOs
Payment processors (for donations)
2. Purpose of Collection
We collect personal information to:
Provide welfare services and process applications
Verify identity and eligibility
Communicate with applicants, donors, partners, and volunteers
Manage donor contributions and generate receipts
Improve website performance and user experience
Maintain security and prevent misuse
Comply with legal and regulatory requirements
We only collect information that is necessary for operational, reporting, or compliance purposes.
3. Lawful Basis for Processing (POPIA)
We process personal information based on:
Consent (e.g., when completing forms)
Legal obligations
Legitimate interest in managing welfare programmes
Contractual necessity when interacting with beneficiaries and donors
4. How We Use Your Information
Your information may be used to:
Process applications or donations
Contact you about your application or request
Provide updates on welfare programs
Improve our services
Maintain internal records and reports
Detect and prevent fraud or misuse
We do not sell or rent your information to any third party.
5. Information Sharing
We may share information with:
Partner organisations involved in delivering aid
Service providers such as IT companies, hosting providers, or email services
Payment gateways (for donations)
Legal authorities if required by law
Any third party that processes information on our behalf is required to follow strict confidentiality and data-protection standards.
6. Data Security
We implement technical and organisational measures to protect personal information, including:
Encrypted data storage
Secure servers and firewalls
Restricted internal access
Multi-factor authentication
Regular security audits
Although we take every reasonable precaution, no system is completely secure.
7. Data Retention
We retain personal information only for as long as necessary to:
Fulfil the purpose for which it was collected
Meet legal or reporting requirements
Maintain records required by donors, auditors, or regulators
When no longer needed, data is securely archived or deleted.
8. Your Rights
Under POPIA, you have the right to:
Request access to your personal information
Ask for corrections or updates
Withdraw consent where applicable
Object to processing
Request deletion of personal information (where allowed by law)
To exercise your rights, you may contact us at:
akhee@ummahaid.co.za
9. Cookies
Our website uses cookies to improve browsing experience and analyse website usage. You may disable cookies in your browser settings, but some features may not function correctly.
10. Children’s Privacy
We do not knowingly collect personal information from children without the consent of a parent or legal guardian.
11. Third-Party Links
Our website may contain links to other websites. We are not responsible for the privacy practices of those external sites.
12. Updates to This Policy
We may update this Privacy Policy from time to time. The latest version will always be available on our website with an updated revision date.
13. Contact Information
For any questions or privacy-related concerns, please contact:
UmmahAid – Information Officer
Email:akhee@ummahaid.co.za