1. Information We Collect Through Our Community Services
We collect personal information that is needed to run creator meetups, showcases, mentorship circles and collaboration programmes. This may include your name, contact details, location, professional profile, portfolio links, skills, interests, payment or invoicing details where needed, and information you choose to share in applications, feedback forms or event registrations.
When you interact with our site or online sessions, we may also collect technical information such as device type, browser type, pages visited and basic usage data. This helps us understand how the service is used and keep it functioning properly.
- Registration and enquiry details
- Portfolio and creator profile information
- Event attendance and participation records
- Technical and usage data from our online services
2. Why We Process Personal Information
We process personal information to provide the services you ask for, to manage membership activity, to match mentors and collaborators, and to organise events and showcases across Johannesburg, Cape Town, Durban, Pretoria, Nairobi and online. We also use information to confirm attendance, share programme updates and improve our offerings for the creator community.
Where required, we may use your details for administration, internal records, safety planning and lawful communications related to an event or service you joined. We only process information where we have a lawful reason to do so under POPIA.
- Delivering mentorship and collaboration services
- Producing showcases and community events
- Sending service-related notices and updates
- Improving programme planning and member support
3. Consent, Direct Marketing and Your Choices
Where consent is needed, we will ask for it clearly and you may withdraw it at any time. If you subscribe to updates about chapter activity, showcases or online sessions, you can opt out whenever you choose. We do not use personal information for unrelated purposes without a lawful basis.
If you receive a message that you no longer want, you may request that we stop sending it, subject to any legal or operational information we still need to keep. Our communications are intended to be practical and relevant, not excessive.
- You may withdraw consent at any time
- You may object to certain processing activities
- You may unsubscribe from non-essential communications
4. Sharing Information With Trusted Service Providers
We may share information with trusted service providers who help us operate registration systems, manage events, host online sessions, support communications or process data on our behalf. These parties are only allowed to use information for the purpose we have agreed with them and must apply appropriate confidentiality and security measures.
We may also disclose information if required by law, court order, regulation or a lawful request from a public authority. If we work with partners on a chapter event or programme, we only share what is reasonably necessary. Information is handled with care, especially where it involves minors, sensitive details or public creator profiles.
- Service providers acting on our instructions
- Legal or regulatory disclosures where required
- Programme partners for specific agreed activities
5. Storage, Security and Retention of Records
We take reasonable technical and organisational measures to protect personal information against loss, unauthorised access, misuse or alteration. This includes access controls, secure storage and practical safeguards suited to the nature of the information we hold. No system is completely risk free, but we work to reduce exposure as far as reasonably possible.
We retain personal information only for as long as it is needed for the purpose collected, or as required by law, tax rules, contractual duties or operational necessity. When information is no longer required, we will take steps to delete, de-identify or archive it securely.
- Access is limited to authorised personnel
- Records are kept only for necessary periods
- Outdated information is deleted or archived securely
6. Your Rights Under POPIA
You have the right to ask what personal information we hold about you, to request correction of inaccurate details, and to object to processing in certain circumstances. You may also request deletion where the law allows it, or ask that your preferences be updated if your details have changed.
To make a privacy request, use the enquiry form on our contact page and clearly state what you want us to do. We may need to verify your identity before acting on a request. We handle privacy enquiries in line with applicable law.
- Access to your personal information
- Correction of incorrect information
- Deletion or restriction where permitted
- Objecting to certain processing activities
7. Cookies, Online Sessions and Policy Updates
Our website may use cookies or similar tools to support basic functionality, remember preferences and collect usage information. You can adjust browser settings to limit cookies, although some features may not work properly if you do. This matters for online session hosting and other digital services that depend on stable access.
We may update this privacy policy from time to time to reflect changes in law, service delivery or internal practice. The latest version will apply from the date it is published. Continued use of our services after an update means you accept the revised policy, so it is worth checking back now and then.
This policy is operated by Astros Marketing (Pty) Ltd for PioCreat Africa.