Privacy Policy

Last Updated: March 2026

Last Updated: March 2026

1. Introduction

Welcome to the Kouga Business Forum ("KBF"). We are committed to protecting your personal information and your right to privacy. This Privacy Policy explains how we collect, use, disclose, and safeguard your information when you visit our website and use our services.

2. Information We Collect

2.1 Personal Information

When you interact with KBF, we may collect the following personal information:

  • Membership Information: Name, email address, company name, phone number, business address
  • Directory Information: Business name, industry, services offered, website URL (for directory listings)
  • Contact Information: Email, phone number, business address
  • Communication Data: Email correspondence, form submissions, chat logs
  • Event Registration: Name, email, attendance preferences, dietary requirements (if applicable)

2.2 Automatic Information

When you visit our website, we may automatically collect:

  • IP address and browser type
  • Pages visited and time spent on site
  • Referral sources
  • Cookies and similar tracking technologies

3. How We Use Your Information

We use the information we collect for the following purposes:

  • Service Delivery: To provide and maintain our business directory, events, and membership services
  • Communication: To send you updates, event invitations, newsletters, and important announcements
  • Business Development: To connect members with networking opportunities and potential partnerships
  • Event Management: To register attendees, send invitations, and manage event logistics
  • Improvement: To analyze and improve our services based on member feedback and usage patterns

4. Data Sharing and Disclosure

KBF does not sell your personal information to third parties. We may share your information in the following circumstances:

  • Service Providers: With trusted third parties who help us operate our website (e.g., hosting providers, email service providers)
  • Legal Requirements: When required by law, regulation, or legal process
  • Business Transfers: In connection with a merger, acquisition, or sale of business assets
  • Member Directory: Business information may be shared with other directory members as part of our networking services

5. Data Security

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

  • Encrypted data transmission (SSL/TLS)
  • Secure servers with regular updates
  • Restricted access to personal data
  • Regular security audits and monitoring

6. Your Rights

Under applicable data protection laws, you have the following rights:

  • Access: Request access to your personal data
  • Correction: Request correction of inaccurate or incomplete data
  • Deletion: Request deletion of your personal data (subject to legal requirements)
  • Portability: Request transfer of your data to another service provider
  • Opt-out: Withdraw consent or opt-out of marketing communications

7. Children's Privacy

Our services are not intended for children under 18. We do not knowingly collect personal information from children. If we discover such information, we will take steps to delete it promptly.

8. Cookies

We use cookies and similar technologies to enhance your browsing experience. You can control cookie settings through your browser preferences. For more information, see our Cookie Policy.

9. Links to Other Websites

Our website may contain links to third-party websites. We are not responsible for the privacy practices or content of these external sites. We encourage you to review their privacy policies.

10. Changes to This Policy

We may update this Privacy Policy from time to time. We will notify you of any significant changes by posting the new policy on this page and updating the "Last Updated" date.

11. Contact Us

If you have any questions about this Privacy Policy or our data practices, please contact us at:

12. GDPR/POPIA Compliance

Kouga Business Forum is committed to compliance with data protection regulations including:

  • GDPR (General Data Protection Regulation): For our European customers and visitors
  • POPIA (Protection of Personal Information Act): South Africa's comprehensive data protection law, enacted in 2013 and fully operational since July 2020

As a South African organization, we are fully compliant with POPIA requirements regarding consent, data minimization, purpose limitation, and data subject rights.