privacy policy

The Southern African Alcohol Policy Alliance in South Africa (“SAAPA-SA”, “we”, “us”, or “our”) is committed to protecting the privacy of individuals and organisations who engage with us.

This Privacy Policy explains how we collect, use, store, and safeguard Personal Information in accordance with the Protection of Personal Information Act, 4 of 2013 (“POPIA”) and other applicable laws of South Africa.

By using our website, submitting information to us, or participating in our campaigns, you consent to the processing of your Personal Information as set out in this Policy.

1. Definitions

“Personal Information” means information relating to an identifiable, living natural person or juristic person as defined under POPIA.

“Special Personal Information” refers to sensitive categories such as race, gender, health, sexual life, religious beliefs, or criminal behaviour.

“Processing” includes any activity involving Personal Information—collection, storage, use, distribution, or destruction.

“You”/ “Data Subject” refers to any person whose Personal Information we collect and process.

“Website” refers to SAAPA-SA’s campaign and organisational websites, including
https://saapa.africa
and https://truecostofalcohol.africa

2. Information We Collect

We may collect and process the following categories of Personal Information:

Identity details (name, surname, title—when voluntarily submitted)

Contact details (email address, telephone number)

Organisation details (if engaging with us as a partner, stakeholder, or media)

Information submitted via contact forms, “Share Your Story” submissions, questionnaires, or campaign participation

Website usage data (IP address, browser type, device data, and cookies)

Information related to public interest advocacy, research participation, media requests, or stakeholder engagement

Sensitive stories or testimonies submitted through our “Share Your Story” platform are stored securely and may be anonymised upon request.

We do not knowingly collect Personal Information from individuals under 18 unless voluntarily provided with guardian consent.

3. Purpose of Collection

We process Personal Information for the following purposes:

To administer campaign activities and stakeholder engagements related to alcohol policy reform

To respond to enquiries submitted through our website or communication channels

To review and publish “Share Your Story” submissions (anonymous or public, depending on your choice)

To distribute campaign updates, research, resources, or advocacy materials

To conduct research, reporting, and monitoring of alcohol-related harms

To analyse website usage and improve functionality

To comply with legal, regulatory, or organisational obligations

To safeguard the rights, security, and interests of SAAPA-SA and its stakeholders

4. Legal Basis for Processing

We process Personal Information on one or more of the following lawful grounds:

Your consent (e.g., story submissions, contact forms, newsletter requests)

Compliance with legal duties and public-interest mandates

Legitimate interest in advancing alcohol policy advocacy, provided it does not override your rights

Performance of organisational functions aligned with SAAPA-SA’s advocacy mandate

5. Cookies and Tracking

Our websites may use cookies and similar technologies to enhance user experience, analyse site traffic, and support functionality.

You may disable cookies via your browser settings; however, certain features may not function properly.

6. Sharing of Personal Information

We will never sell or rent your Personal Information.

We may share information only under the following conditions:

With trusted service providers assisting in website hosting, communication, analytics, or campaign delivery — all subject to confidentiality obligations

With project partners, where relevant, in alignment with advocacy and engagement mandates (e.g., NHTKL or RESET Alcohol), but only where appropriate and necessary

If required by law, regulation, or court order

With your explicit consent (e.g., public story submissions)

Anonymous or aggregated data may be used for research, advocacy, and reporting without identifying individuals.

7. Retention of Personal Information

We retain Personal Information only for as long as necessary to fulfil the purposes for which it was collected, unless longer retention is required for legal or reporting obligations.

Story submissions may be retained for archive or research purposes unless deletion is requested.

8. Security of Information

We employ appropriate technical and organisational measures to safeguard Personal Information from unauthorised access, loss, misuse, or alteration.

While we take reasonable precautions, no method of digital transmission or storage is completely secure, and we cannot guarantee absolute protection.

9. Your Rights

Under POPIA, you have the right to:

Request access to the Personal Information we hold about you

Request correction or deletion of your information

Object to certain processing activities

Withdraw consent (when processing is based on consent)

Request that your story or submission be removed or anonymised

Lodge a complaint with the Information Regulator

Information Regulator (South Africa):
Website: https://www.justice.gov.za/inforeg/

Email: inforeg@justice.gov.za

10. Links to Third-Party Websites

Our website may include links to external sites. SAAPA-SA is not responsible for the content or privacy practices of third-party websites and encourages users to review their privacy policies.

11. Changes to This Policy

This Privacy Policy may be updated periodically. Revised versions will be posted on our website with the updated effective date.

12. Contact Us

For questions about this Policy or to exercise your POPIA rights, please contact:

Southern African Alcohol Policy Alliance (SAAPA-SA)
Email: info@saapa.org.za

Website: https://saapa.africa