PRIVACY POLICY

The Proud Homeowner
(POPIA Compliant – South Africa)

1. Introduction

The Proud Homeowner is committed to protecting the privacy and personal information of all learners, users, and website visitors in accordance with the Protection of Personal Information Act 4 of 2013 (POPIA).

This Privacy Policy explains how personal information is collected, used, stored, and protected.

2. Information We Collect

We collect personal information that is necessary for enrolment, course administration, learner support, and regulatory reporting.

This may include:
• Full name and surname
• Contact details including email address and telephone number
• South African identity number or passport number
• Date of birth
• Physical and postal address
• Employment status where required for reporting
• Course enrolment, progress, and assessment results
• Certification and completion records

Identity numbers are required where programmes fall under accredited or reportable training and where reporting to regulatory bodies such as the QCTO is required.

Payment information:
The Proud Homeowner does not store full card or banking details. Payment information is processed securely through third party payment service providers. Limited transaction records are retained for accounting and legal purposes only.

3. Use of Personal Information

Personal information is collected and processed for the following purposes:
• Course enrolment and administration
• Learner communication and support
• Assessment, certification, and record keeping
• Reporting to regulatory or accrediting bodies including, where applicable, the Quality Council for Trades and Occupations (QCTO)
• Compliance with legal, regulatory, and contractual obligations
• Internal reporting and quality assurance

4. Marketing Communications

Where consent is provided, personal information may be used to send marketing communications, updates, promotions, and educational information related to The Proud Homeowner.

Learners may withdraw consent to receive marketing communications at any time by using the unsubscribe option or by contacting us in writing.

5. Data Protection and Security

The Proud Homeowner implements appropriate technical and organisational safeguards to protect personal information against unauthorised access, loss, misuse, alteration, or disclosure.

Access to personal information is restricted to authorised personnel only.

6. Sharing of Information with Third Parties

Personal information will not be shared with third parties except in the following circumstances:
• Where required by law or legal process
• For secure payment processing through authorised payment service providers
• For accreditation, assessment, certification, or regulatory reporting purposes including reporting to the QCTO or other recognised authorities where applicable
• Where necessary for system hosting or technical support under confidentiality agreements

7. Data Retention

Personal information is retained only for as long as necessary to fulfil the purposes for which it was collected or as required by applicable laws, accreditation bodies, or regulatory frameworks.

Once no longer required, information is securely deleted or anonymised.

8. Learner Rights

Learners have the right to:
• Request access to their personal information
• Request correction of inaccurate or incomplete information
• Request deletion of personal information where legally permissible
• Object to processing in certain circumstances

All requests must be submitted in writing and will be handled in accordance with POPIA requirements.