Effective Date: 1 March 2025
Last Updated: 24 April 2025
Welcome to Durban Companies Market (https://www.dcmarket.co.za) and Durban Exchange (https://durban.exchange), a crowdfunding platform administered in collaboration with Durban Companies Market (DCM) and National Zakat Foundation (NZF). We value your privacy and are committed to protecting your personal data. This Privacy Policy explains how we collect, use, and safeguard your information when you use our website and services.
By accessing or using our platform, you consent to the practices described in this Privacy Policy. If you do not agree with any part of this policy, please do not use the platform.
1. Information We Collect
We collect different types of information to enhance our services and ensure a secure experience for all users.
1.1. Personal Information
When you register or interact with our platform, we may collect:
- Full Name
- Contact Information (Email, Phone Number)
- Address and Location (if applicable)
- Payment and Banking Details (for fund transfers)
- Identification Documents (for verification purposes)
1.2. Non-Personal Information
We also collect general data to improve our platform, such as:
- Device Information (e.g., browser type, IP address)
- Website Usage (e.g., pages visited, time spent)
- Referral Sources (e.g., how you found our website)
1.3. Cookies and Tracking Technologies
We use cookies and similar technologies to enhance user experience and analyze website performance. You can modify your browser settings to disable cookies, but some features may not function properly.
2. How We Use Your Information
We collect and use your information for the following purposes:
- To process crowdfunding applications and manage fundraising campaigns.
- To facilitate transactions, including receiving and transferring funds.
- To verify identities and prevent fraudulent activities.
- To communicate with users, including updates, support, and notifications.
- To improve website functionality and user experience.
- To comply with legal and regulatory requirements.
We will never sell your personal information to third parties.
3. How We Share Your Information
We may share your information under the following circumstances:
- With Payment Processors: To facilitate transactions securely.
- With Partner Organizations (DCM, NZF): If necessary for campaign processing and mentorship referrals.
- With Legal Authorities: When required by law or to protect our platform from fraudulent activity.
- With Service Providers: For website hosting, analytics, and customer support (under confidentiality agreements).
Any information shared will be handled with strict confidentiality.
4. Data Security
We take reasonable security measures to protect your information, including:
✅ Data Encryption: Protecting sensitive information during transmission.
✅ Secure Payment Processing: Using reputable third-party processors.
✅ Restricted Access: Limiting access to personal data only to authorized personnel.
While we strive to protect your information, no system is 100% secure. Users are responsible for maintaining the confidentiality of their account credentials.
5. Data Retention
We retain personal information:
- For as long as necessary to fulfill the purposes outlined in this policy.
- To comply with legal and regulatory obligations.
- To resolve disputes and enforce agreements.
Once data is no longer needed, it will be securely deleted or anonymized.
6. Your Rights & Choices
You have the right to:
- Access your personal data stored on our platform.
- Request corrections to inaccurate or outdated information.
- Request deletion of your data (except when required by law).
- Withdraw consent for data processing (this may affect platform usage).
To exercise your rights, contact us at legal@nzf.org.za.
7. Third-Party Links & Services
Our platform may contain links to third-party websites. We are not responsible for their privacy policies or practices. We encourage users to review the privacy policies of any external sites they visit.
8. Children’s Privacy
Durban Exchange is not intended for users under 18 years old without parental consent. We do not knowingly collect personal data from children. If we become aware of such data, we will take steps to delete it.
9. Changes to This Privacy Policy
We may update this Privacy Policy from time to time. Significant changes will be communicated via email or platform notifications. Continued use of the platform after updates signifies acceptance of the revised policy.
10. Contact Us
For questions regarding this Privacy Policy, please contact us at:
📧 legal@nzf.org.za
📞 087 5501322
🌍 https://durban.exchange & https://www.dcmarket.co.za