Privacy Policy.

1. Purpose and scope

WISE respects privacy and processes personal information in accordance with the Protection of Personal Information Act 4 of 2013 (“POPIA”) and other applicable South African law. This policy applies to information collected through our website, business communications, event registrations, recruitment and service enquiries.

Research participants receive a separate study-specific information sheet and consent notice. Where that notice differs from this general website policy, the study-specific notice governs the research activity.

2. Information we may collect

• Names, contact details, organisation and professional role.
• Information included in enquiries, proposals, applications or correspondence.
• Event, workshop or newsletter preferences where these services are offered.
• Technical information such as browser type, device information, IP address and website usage data where enabled.
• Supplier, client or employment information necessary for a lawful business relationship.

Please do not submit confidential research data, identity documents or special personal information through the general website enquiry form unless WISE has provided a secure and authorised method.

3. How and why we use information

WISE processes information to answer enquiries, provide quotations and contracted services, manage events and recruitment, administer client and supplier relationships, secure and improve the website, comply with law, and protect legitimate organisational interests. Processing is based on consent, contractual necessity, legal obligations, legitimate interests or another ground permitted by POPIA.

4. Sharing and service providers

Information may be shared with authorised personnel and contracted providers that support hosting, email, IT, professional advice, fieldwork or project delivery. WISE requires appropriate confidentiality and security safeguards. Information may also be disclosed when required by law, court order or a lawful regulatory request. WISE does not sell personal information.

5. Cross-border processing

Some approved technology providers may process information outside South Africa. WISE will use providers and safeguards consistent with POPIA’s requirements for transborder information flows.

6. Retention and security

Information is kept only for as long as required for the stated purpose, contractual requirements, dispute management, research obligations or legal recordkeeping. WISE applies reasonable organisational and technical safeguards, including controlled access, confidentiality duties, secure systems and appropriate disposal. No internet transmission can be guaranteed completely secure.

7. Your choices and rights

Subject to POPIA and applicable limitations, you may request access to, correction or deletion of personal information; object to certain processing; withdraw consent where processing relies on consent; and lodge a complaint. Verification of identity may be required before a request is completed.

8. Children’s information

WISE does not knowingly collect children’s personal information through this website without a lawful basis and the authorisation of a competent person where required. Study- or event-specific safeguards will apply where participation by children is authorised.

9. Changes

This policy may be updated to reflect changes in law, services or technology. The revised effective date will appear at the top of this page.