Terms of Service

1. Acceptance of Terms

By downloading, installing, or using the Stokvel Manager application ("the App"), you agree to be bound by these Terms of Service ("Terms"). If you do not agree to these Terms, please do not use the App.

We reserve the right to update or modify these Terms at any time. Continued use of the App after changes constitutes acceptance of the updated Terms.

2. Description of Service

Stokvel Manager is a mobile application designed to help users organise and manage stokvels (community savings groups). The App provides tools for:

• Creating and managing stokvel groups.
• Recording member contributions and tracking payment history.
• Scheduling and managing payouts.
• Managing member roles and permissions.
• Creating stokvel constitutions and rules.
• Resolving disputes through a voting system.
• Viewing contribution statistics and savings insights.

3. User Accounts

3.1 Account Creation

To use the App, you must create an account using a valid email address, Google account, or Apple ID. You must be at least 18 years old to create an account.

3.2 Account Responsibilities

You are responsible for:

• Maintaining the confidentiality of your account credentials.
• All activities that occur under your account.
• Providing accurate and up-to-date information.
• Notifying us immediately of any unauthorised use of your account.

3.3 Account Termination

You may delete your account at any time through the App settings or by contacting us. We may suspend or terminate your account if you violate these Terms. See our Account Deletion page for details.

4. Stokvel Management

4.1 Creating a Stokvel

When you create a stokvel, you become the chairperson and are responsible for:

• Setting appropriate contribution amounts and schedules.
• Managing members and assigning roles.
• Ensuring the stokvel operates fairly and transparently.
• Maintaining accurate contribution and payout records.

4.2 Joining a Stokvel

By joining a stokvel, you agree to:

• Abide by the stokvel's constitution and rules as set by the group.
• Make contributions as agreed upon by the group.
• Participate in good faith in any dispute resolution processes.

4.3 Member Roles

The App supports the following roles within a stokvel: Chairperson, Treasurer, Secretary, and Member. Role assignments and permissions are managed by the stokvel's administrators.

5. Financial Disclaimer

• Hold, store, or transfer any money or funds.
• Process financial transactions or payments.
• Act as a bank, financial institution, or payment processor.
• Provide financial, investment, or legal advice.
• Guarantee or insure any contributions or payouts between members.

The App is solely a record-keeping and organisational tool. All financial transactions between stokvel members occur independently of the App. We bear no responsibility for any financial losses, disputes over funds, or failed transactions between members.

6. User Conduct

You agree not to:

• Use the App for any unlawful purpose or fraudulent activity.
• Create false or misleading contribution or payout records.
• Harass, abuse, or harm other users of the App.
• Attempt to gain unauthorised access to other users' accounts or data.
• Upload malicious content, viruses, or harmful code.
• Use the App to facilitate money laundering or other financial crimes.
• Circumvent or interfere with the App's security features.
• Use automated tools or bots to access the App.

7. Content and Data

7.1 User-Generated Content

You retain ownership of content you create within the App, including stokvel names, descriptions, constitutions, and uploaded images. By using the App, you grant us a limited licence to store and display this content as necessary to provide the service.

7.2 Proof of Payment

Images uploaded as proof of payment are stored securely and are only accessible to members of the relevant stokvel. You are responsible for ensuring you have the right to upload any images you submit.

8. Intellectual Property

The App, including its design, code, graphics, and content (excluding user-generated content), is owned by Stokvel Manager and is protected by copyright and other intellectual property laws. You may not copy, modify, distribute, or create derivative works from the App without our written permission.

9. Limitation of Liability

To the maximum extent permitted by law:

• The App is provided "as is" and "as available" without warranties of any kind.
• We do not guarantee that the App will be uninterrupted, error-free, or secure.
• We are not liable for any direct, indirect, incidental, special, or consequential damages arising from your use of the App.
• We are not responsible for any disputes, financial losses, or disagreements between stokvel members.
• Our total liability to you shall not exceed the amount you paid to use the App (which is zero, as the App is free).

10. Dispute Resolution Between Members

The App provides a dispute resolution feature with voting functionality to help stokvel members resolve disagreements. However:

• We do not mediate, arbitrate, or adjudicate disputes between members.
• Dispute outcomes are determined solely by the stokvel members through the voting system.
• We bear no responsibility for the outcome of any dispute resolution process.

11. Indemnification

You agree to indemnify and hold harmless Stokvel Manager, its officers, directors, employees, and affiliates from any claims, damages, losses, or expenses (including legal fees) arising from your use of the App, violation of these Terms, or infringement of any third party's rights.

12. Governing Law

These Terms are governed by and construed in accordance with the laws of the Republic of South Africa. Any disputes arising from these Terms or your use of the App shall be subject to the jurisdiction of the South African courts.

13. Severability

If any provision of these Terms is found to be unenforceable or invalid, that provision shall be limited or eliminated to the minimum extent necessary so that the remaining provisions remain in full force and effect.

14. Contact Us

If you have any questions about these Terms of Service, please contact us: