Who we are
This website and the services described on it are provided by TheWebStore, a sole proprietorship operated by Quintin Potgieter. TheWebStore can be reached at info@thewebstore.co.za or +27 67 878 6505. The physical business address is Unit 22, Shiraz on 10th Complex, 102 Tenth Avenue, Ravenswood, Boksburg, Gauteng, 1459, South Africa. The business works remotely.
For purposes of the Protection of Personal Information Act 4 of 2013 (POPIA), TheWebStore acts as the responsible party for personal information it collects for its own enquiries and business administration. Where we process personal information on a client’s instructions while providing a service, we may act as that client’s operator under an appropriate written arrangement.
Information we collect
Depending on how you interact with us, we may process:
- Contact details such as your name, email address and phone number, plus your preferred contact method.
- Business and project information you choose to provide, including your website address, service interests, goals, product range, campaign budget, service area, design requirements and message.
- Messages and records of our communications, quotations, agreements, payments and work delivered.
- Technical information needed to operate, secure and troubleshoot the website, such as basic server, device, browser and access-log data. WordPress, hosting and security components may create essential cookies or logs.
Please do not send sensitive personal information unless it is necessary and we have agreed how it will be handled.
Why and on what basis we use it
We use information for specific, lawful purposes: to answer enquiries; prepare and deliver requested quotations; enter into and perform a contract; communicate about a project; administer hosting, domains, websites, advertising and related services; process payments and maintain business records; protect the website and our systems; handle disputes; and meet legal obligations.
Depending on the purpose, the lawful basis may be taking steps at your request before a contract, performing a contract, complying with a legal obligation, pursuing a legitimate interest that does not override your rights, or your consent. We will ask for consent where required, including for unsolicited electronic direct marketing under POPIA. You can withdraw consent at any time; withdrawal does not make earlier lawful processing unlawful.
Information handled for our clients
A website, store, CRM integration, advertising account or other system that we build or manage may collect information directly for our client. The client decides why and how that information is used and is generally responsible for its privacy notices, lawful basis, data-subject requests and instructions to us. Where TheWebStore processes that information for the client, we will follow documented instructions and the applicable operator agreement. The client must ensure that its instructions and data collection comply with law.
How long we keep information
We retain personal information only for as long as reasonably necessary for the purpose for which it was collected, to provide a service, to meet applicable record-keeping duties, or to establish or defend legal claims. Retention periods vary by record type. When information is no longer required, we take reasonable steps to delete it, anonymise it or securely dispose of it. Backup copies may remain until overwritten or expire through the provider’s normal backup cycle.
Security and incident response
We use reasonable technical and organisational safeguards appropriate to the information and risk, and take reasonable steps to require suitable protections from operators. No website, email transmission, cloud service or internet-connected system can be guaranteed completely secure. If a security compromise affects personal information, we will assess it and make notifications to the Information Regulator and affected data subjects as POPIA requires.
Your rights and choices
Subject to applicable law, you may ask us to confirm whether we hold your personal information, request access or correction, request deletion or destruction where permitted, object to or restrict certain processing, withdraw consent, or complain to the Information Regulator. We may need to verify your identity and may ask for further information to locate the relevant records. We will respond within the time and process required by law.
You can opt out of direct marketing at any time using the unsubscribe method in the message or by contacting us. We will not make marketing consent a condition of receiving an unrelated service where the law prohibits that.
Contact and complaints
For a privacy request or concern, contact Quintin Potgieter at info@thewebstore.co.za or +27 67 878 6505. Please describe the request and provide enough information for us to verify and respond to you.
You may also contact the Information Regulator of South Africa about a POPIA complaint. Its published contact details include enquiries@inforegulator.org.za and 010 023 5200.
Changes to this policy
We may update this policy when our services, systems or legal requirements change. The updated version will appear on this page with a revised date. Material changes will be highlighted where reasonably practical.