1. Introduction
Stokvel Manager ("we", "our", or "us") is committed to protecting your privacy. This Privacy Policy explains how we collect, use, disclose, and safeguard your information when you use our mobile application ("the App").
By using the App, you agree to the collection and use of information in accordance with this policy. If you do not agree with the terms of this Privacy Policy, please do not use the App.
2. Information We Collect
2.1 Information You Provide
We collect information that you voluntarily provide when using the App, including:
- Account Information: Name, email address, phone number, and profile photo when you create an account.
- Authentication Data: Credentials used for sign-in via email/password, Google Sign-In, or Apple Sign-In.
- Stokvel Data: Stokvel names, descriptions, contribution amounts, payout schedules, and member information.
- Financial Records: Contribution amounts, payment methods (cash, EFT, other), and transaction history.
- Proof of Payment: Images uploaded as proof of contribution payments.
- Communication Data: Dispute descriptions, notes, and constitution content created within the App.
- Preferences: Savings goals, stokvel experience level, and notification preferences.
2.2 Information Collected Automatically
When you use the App, we may automatically collect:
- Device Information: Device type, operating system, and unique device identifiers.
- Usage Data: App interactions, features used, and general usage patterns.
- Push Notification Tokens: Device tokens for sending notifications about contributions, payouts, and stokvel activity.
2.3 Information from Third Parties
If you sign in using Google or Apple, we receive basic profile information (name and email) as authorised by your authentication provider.
3. How We Use Your Information
We use the information we collect to:
- Create and manage your user account.
- Enable stokvel creation, management, and member coordination.
- Record and track contributions and payouts.
- Send notifications about due dates, payouts, and stokvel activity.
- Facilitate dispute resolution and voting within stokvels.
- Display statistics and savings insights.
- Provide customer support when you contact us.
- Improve the App's functionality and user experience.
- Comply with legal obligations.
4. Data Storage and Security
We use Firebase (provided by Google) to store and process your data. Firebase provides industry-standard security measures including:
- Data encryption in transit and at rest.
- Secure authentication mechanisms.
- Access controls and security rules to protect your data.
- Regular security audits and compliance certifications.
While we implement appropriate security measures, no method of electronic storage or transmission is 100% secure. We cannot guarantee absolute security of your data.
5. Data Sharing and Disclosure
We do not sell your personal information to third parties. We may share your information in the following circumstances:
- Within Your Stokvel: Your name, role, contribution history, and related stokvel data are visible to other members of the stokvels you belong to.
- Service Providers: We use Firebase (Google) for authentication, data storage, and cloud functions. These services process your data in accordance with their own privacy policies.
- Legal Requirements: We may disclose your information if required by law, legal process, or governmental request.
- Safety: We may disclose information to protect the rights, safety, or property of our users or the public.
6. Device Permissions
The App may request the following device permissions:
- Camera: To take photos of proof of payment.
- Photo Library: To upload proof of payment and profile photos.
- Contacts: To invite stokvel members from your contacts. Contact data is only used locally for invitation purposes and is not uploaded to our servers.
- Notifications: To send push notifications about contributions, payouts, and stokvel activity.
All permissions are optional. The App will still function without granting these permissions, though some features may be limited.
7. Data Retention
We retain your personal data for as long as your account is active or as needed to provide you with our services. If you delete your account:
- Your personal profile data will be deleted.
- Contribution and payout records within stokvels may be retained in anonymised form for the stokvel's financial records.
- We may retain certain data as required by law or for legitimate business purposes.
8. Your Rights
In accordance with the Protection of Personal Information Act (POPIA) and other applicable laws, you have the right to:
- Access your personal information held by us.
- Correct inaccurate or incomplete personal information.
- Delete your account and personal data (see our Account Deletion page).
- Object to the processing of your personal information.
- Withdraw consent for optional data processing at any time.
- Data portability — request a copy of your data in a structured format.
9. Children's Privacy
The App is not intended for use by children under the age of 18. We do not knowingly collect personal information from children under 18. If we become aware that a child under 18 has provided us with personal information, we will take steps to delete such information.
10. Changes to This Policy
We may update this Privacy Policy from time to time. We will notify you of any changes by posting the new Privacy Policy within the App and updating the "Last updated" date. You are advised to review this Privacy Policy periodically.
11. Contact Us
If you have any questions about this Privacy Policy or our data practices, please contact us: