Last Updated: 25 January 2025
This Privacy Policy governs the processing of personal information by Fountain of Life Harrismith (FOLHS), accessible at www.folhs.co.za, in accordance with the Protection of Personal Information Act 4 of 2013 (POPIA) and other applicable South African data protection laws.
By accessing or using this website, you acknowledge that you have read and understood this Privacy Policy.
1. Responsible Party
Fountain of Life Harrismith is the Responsible Party for purposes of POPIA.
Physical Address (Church):
Corner of Warden Street and Piet Uys Street
Harrismith
9880
South Africa
Postal / Contact Address:
69 Stuart Street
Harrismith
9880
South Africa
Email: [email protected]
Website: www.folhs.co.za
2. Information Officer
In accordance with Section 55 of POPIA, the Information Officer for Fountain of Life Harrismith is:
Name: John Daniel Veitch
Email: [email protected]
Address: 69 Stuart Street, Harrismith, 9880, South Africa
The Information Officer is responsible for ensuring compliance with POPIA and addressing any data protection-related inquiries or requests.
3. Personal Information We Collect
We may collect and process the following categories of personal information:
3.1 Information Provided Voluntarily
When you contact us, register for events, submit prayer requests, complete forms, or otherwise engage with our ministry, we may collect:
- Full name
- Email address
- Contact number
- Physical address (where relevant)
- Any additional information voluntarily provided
3.2 Automatic Technical Information
When visiting our website, certain information may be collected automatically, including:
- IP address
- Browser type and version
- Device type
- Pages accessed
- Usage statistics
3.3 Cookies
Our website may use cookies to improve user experience and website performance. You may disable cookies in your browser settings, although this may affect website functionality.
4. Purpose of Processing
Personal information is processed lawfully and only for specific, legitimate purposes, including:
- Responding to inquiries
- Communicating church updates and ministry information
- Coordinating events and ministry activities
- Providing pastoral support upon request
- Maintaining website security and functionality
- Complying with legal and regulatory obligations
We do not sell, trade, or rent personal information to third parties.
5. Legal Basis for Processing
Personal information is processed under one or more of the following lawful grounds as provided under POPIA:
- Consent of the data subject
- Performance of ministry-related activities
- Compliance with legal obligations
- Legitimate interests of the church, provided such interests do not override the rights of the data subject
6. Security Safeguards
Fountain of Life Harrismith implements appropriate, reasonable technical and organisational measures to prevent:
- Loss of personal information
- Damage or unauthorised destruction
- Unlawful access or processing
Access to personal information is restricted to authorised individuals who require access for legitimate ministry or administrative purposes.
7. Retention of Personal Information
Personal information will be retained only for as long as:
- Necessary to fulfil the purpose for which it was collected
- Required by law
- Required for legitimate ministry or administrative purposes
Thereafter, personal information will be securely deleted or anonymised.
8. Disclosure of Personal Information
We may disclose personal information:
- Where required by law
- To comply with lawful requests from public authorities
- To protect the rights, safety, or property of the church or others
We will not disclose personal information for commercial marketing purposes without consent.
9. Data Subject Rights (POPIA)
In terms of POPIA, you have the right to:
- Request confirmation of whether we hold personal information about you
- Request access to your personal information
- Request correction or updating of inaccurate information
- Request deletion of personal information (subject to legal limitations)
- Object to the processing of personal information in certain circumstances
- Withdraw consent where processing is based on consent
- Lodge a complaint with the Information Regulator
Requests must be submitted in writing to the Information Officer.
10. Complaints to the Information Regulator
If you believe that your personal information has been processed unlawfully, you may lodge a complaint with:
The Information Regulator (South Africa)
Website: www.justice.gov.za/inforeg
Email: [email protected]
11. Children’s Information
We do not knowingly collect personal information from individuals under the age of 18 without appropriate parental or guardian consent.
12. External Links
Our website may contain links to external websites. Fountain of Life Harrismith is not responsible for the privacy practices or content of external sites.
13. POPIA Compliance Commitment
Fountain of Life Harrismith is committed to full compliance with the Protection of Personal Information Act (POPIA). We undertake to:
- Process personal information lawfully and transparently
- Collect information only for specific, explicit, and lawful purposes
- Minimise data collection to what is adequate and relevant
- Maintain information accuracy
- Protect personal information with appropriate safeguards
- Respect and uphold the rights of data subjects
14. Policy Updates
This Privacy Policy may be amended from time to time to reflect changes in legal requirements or ministry practices. The updated version will be published on www.folhs.co.za and will take effect upon publication.
We encourage users to review this page periodically.