Privacy Policy

1. Introduction

This Privacy Policy explains how Reinvent Debt Solutions (Pty) Ltd ("we," "us," or "our") collects, uses, stores, and protects your personal information when you:

• Visit our website
• Use our debt calculator or other online tools
• Contact us for debt counselling services
• Become a client of our debt counselling services
• Interact with us in any other capacity

We place a high premium on your privacy and are committed to handling your personal information with the utmost care and in compliance with all applicable laws, particularly POPIA and the National Credit Act.

2. Information We Collect

Personal Information for Debt Counselling

When you apply for our debt counselling services, we collect personal information as required by the National Credit Act (Act 34 of 2005), including:

Website Usage Information

When you visit our website, we may collect:

• Device information (operating system, browser type)
• IP address and location data
• Pages visited and time spent on our website
• Referring website information
• Calculator inputs and results (anonymized)

Communication Records

We keep records of all communications with you, including:

• Emails, phone calls, and messages
• Meeting notes and consultation records
• Service requests and support interactions

3. How We Use Your Information

Primary Purposes

We process your personal information for the following purposes:

• Debt Counselling Services: To assess your financial situation, develop debt restructuring plans, and negotiate with your creditors
• Legal Compliance: To comply with requirements under the National Credit Act and other applicable legislation
• Client Communication: To keep you informed about your debt review progress and provide ongoing support
• Credit Bureau Reporting: To report your debt review status to credit bureaus as required by law
• Service Improvement: To analyze and improve our services and website functionality
• Administrative Purposes: For record-keeping, billing, and business administration

Marketing Communications

With your consent, we may use your information to:

• Send you information about our services
• Provide financial education content
• Inform you about relevant financial products or services

4. Information Sharing and Disclosure

When We Share Your Information

We may share your personal information with:

• Credit Providers: To negotiate debt restructuring and payment arrangements
• Credit Bureaus: To report your debt review status as required by law
• Payment Distribution Agencies: To facilitate distribution of payments to your creditors and your Debt Counsellor
• Legal Representatives: When required for legal proceedings or court applications
• Service Providers: Trusted third parties who assist us in providing our services (under strict confidentiality agreements)
• Regulatory Bodies: The National Credit Regulator and other authorities when required by law

We Do Not Sell Your Information

We never sell, rent, or trade your personal information to third parties for their marketing purposes.

Legal Requirements

We may disclose your information when required to:

• Comply with court orders or legal process
• Respond to lawful requests from government authorities
• Protect our rights, property, or safety, or that of our clients or the public
• Enforce our terms and conditions

5. Cookies and Website Technology

How We Use Cookies

Our website uses cookies and similar technologies to:

• Remember your preferences and calculator inputs
• Analyze website traffic and usage patterns
• Improve website functionality and user experience
• Provide personalized content

Managing Cookies

You can control cookies through your browser settings. However, disabling cookies may affect some website functionality. Most browsers allow you to:

• View and delete existing cookies
• Block cookies from specific sites
• Block third-party cookies
• Clear all cookies when you close the browser

6. Data Security

Security Measures

We implement appropriate technical and organizational security measures to protect your personal information, including:

• Encryption of sensitive data in transit and at rest
• Secure servers and network infrastructure
• Access controls and user authentication
• Regular security assessments and updates
• Employee training on data protection
• Physical security measures for our offices

Data Breach Notification

In the unlikely event of a data breach that poses a risk to your rights and freedoms, we will:

• Notify the Information Regulator within 72 hours
• Inform affected individuals without undue delay
• Take immediate steps to contain and remedy the breach

7. Data Retention

We retain your personal information only as long as necessary for the purposes outlined in this policy or as required by law:

• Active Clients: Throughout the debt counselling process and for a reasonable period thereafter
• Completed Cases: In accordance with National Credit Act requirements (typically 5 years after completion)
• Website Data: Generally 2-3 years for analytics and improvement purposes
• Marketing Data: Until you opt out or we no longer have a legitimate business need

We regularly review our data retention practices and securely delete or anonymize information that is no longer needed.

8. Your Rights

Under POPIA and other applicable laws, you have the following rights regarding your personal information:

• Access: Request a copy of the personal information we hold about you
• Correction: Request correction of inaccurate or incomplete information
• Deletion: Request deletion of your personal information (subject to legal retention requirements)
• Restriction: Request limitation of how we process your information
• Objection: Object to processing of your information for certain purposes
• Data Portability: Request transfer of your information to another service provider
• Withdrawal of Consent: Withdraw consent where processing is based on consent

How to Exercise Your Rights

To exercise any of these rights, please contact our Information Officer:

• Email: info@reinventdebt.co.za
• Phone: 010 502 1977
• Subject line: "Data Subject Request"

We will respond to your request within 30 days and may require proof of identity to process your request.

9. International Transfers

Your personal information is primarily processed and stored within South Africa. However, we may occasionally transfer information to other countries for:

• Cloud storage and backup services
• Technical support and maintenance
• Software services and analytics

When we transfer information internationally, we ensure appropriate safeguards are in place, including:

• Adequacy decisions or approved contractual clauses
• Binding corporate rules where applicable
• Your explicit consent for the transfer

10. Children's Privacy

Our services are not intended for children under 18 years of age. We do not knowingly collect personal information from children. If you are a parent or guardian and believe we have collected information about your child, please contact us immediately so we can delete such information.

11. Policy Updates

We may update this Privacy Policy from time to time to reflect:

• Changes in our business practices
• Legal or regulatory requirements
• Technological developments
• Best practice improvements

When we make significant changes, we will:

• Post the updated policy on our website
• Update the "last modified" date
• Notify existing clients via email when appropriate
• Obtain new consent where required by law

12. Complaints and Disputes

Contact Us First

If you have concerns about how we handle your personal information, please contact us first. We are committed to resolving privacy concerns quickly and fairly.

Information Regulator

If you are not satisfied with our response, you may lodge a complaint with the Information Regulator:

13. Contact Information

For questions, concerns, or requests regarding this Privacy Policy or your personal information, please contact our Information Officer: