Who we are

Suggested text: Our website address is: https://tshwanecoc.co.za.

Comments

Suggested text: When visitors leave comments on the site we collect the data shown in the comments form, and also the visitor’s IP address and browser user agent string to help spam detection.

An anonymized string created from your email address (also called a hash) may be provided to the Gravatar service to see if you are using it. The Gravatar service privacy policy is available here: https://automattic.com/privacy/. After approval of your comment, your profile picture is visible to the public in the context of your comment.

Media

Suggested text: If you upload images to the website, you should avoid uploading images with embedded location data (EXIF GPS) included. Visitors to the website can download and extract any location data from images on the website.

Cookies

Suggested text: If you leave a comment on our site you may opt-in to saving your name, email address and website in cookies. These are for your convenience so that you do not have to fill in your details again when you leave another comment. These cookies will last for one year.

If you visit our login page, we will set a temporary cookie to determine if your browser accepts cookies. This cookie contains no personal data and is discarded when you close your browser.

When you log in, we will also set up several cookies to save your login information and your screen display choices. Login cookies last for two days, and screen options cookies last for a year. If you select “Remember Me”, your login will persist for two weeks. If you log out of your account, the login cookies will be removed.

If you edit or publish an article, an additional cookie will be saved in your browser. This cookie includes no personal data and simply indicates the post ID of the article you just edited. It expires after 1 day.

Embedded content from other websites

Suggested text: Articles on this site may include embedded content (e.g. videos, images, articles, etc.). Embedded content from other websites behaves in the exact same way as if the visitor has visited the other website.

These websites may collect data about you, use cookies, embed additional third-party tracking, and monitor your interaction with that embedded content, including tracking your interaction with the embedded content if you have an account and are logged in to that website.

Suggested text: If you request a password reset, your IP address will be included in the reset email.

How long we retain your data

Suggested text: If you leave a comment, the comment and its metadata are retained indefinitely. This is so we can recognize and approve any follow-up comments automatically instead of holding them in a moderation queue.

For users that register on our website (if any), we also store the personal information they provide in their user profile. All users can see, edit, or delete their personal information at any time (except they cannot change their username). Website administrators can also see and edit that information.

What rights you have over your data

Suggested text: If you have an account on this site, or have left comments, you can request to receive an exported file of the personal data we hold about you, including any data you have provided to us. You can also request that we erase any personal data we hold about you. This does not include any data we are obliged to keep for administrative, legal, or security purposes.

Where your data is sent

Suggested text: Visitor comments may be checked through an automated spam detection service.

Privacy Policy

Last updated: [Insert Date]

1. Introduction

[Church Name] (“we”, “us”, or “our”) is committed to protecting the privacy and personal information of all visitors, members, and partners who interact with our website and ministries. This Privacy Policy explains how we collect, use, store, and protect your personal information in accordance with applicable laws, including the Protection of Personal Information Act, 2013 (POPIA) of South Africa.

By using our website, you agree to the terms of this Privacy Policy.

2. Information We Collect

We may collect and process the following types of personal information:

Personal details: Name, surname, email address, phone number
Communication data: Messages submitted through contact forms, prayer requests, or registrations
Ministry-related information: Event registrations, volunteering details, small group participation
Technical information: IP address, browser type, device information, and website usage statistics (via cookies or analytics tools)

We only collect information that is necessary for church, ministry, and communication purposes.

3. How We Use Your Information

Your personal information may be used to:

Respond to enquiries, prayer requests, or pastoral care needs
Communicate church announcements, events, and ministry updates
Manage event registrations and participation
Improve our website and ministry services
Comply with legal or regulatory requirements

We will never sell or rent your personal information to third parties.

4. Lawful Basis for Processing

We process personal information based on one or more of the following lawful grounds:

Your consent
Our legitimate interests as a church and faith-based organisation
Legal obligations under applicable law

You may withdraw your consent at any time by contacting us.

We may share personal information only when necessary:

With trusted service providers (e.g. website hosting, email services) who are bound by confidentiality
When required by law or a lawful authority

All third parties are required to protect your information and use it only for the intended purpose.

6. Data Security

We take reasonable technical and organisational measures to protect personal information against:

Loss
Unauthorised access
Misuse or disclosure

Access to personal information is limited to authorised church leaders or administrators who require it for ministry purposes.

7. Data Retention

We retain personal information only for as long as necessary to fulfil the purposes outlined in this policy or as required by law. When information is no longer needed, it is securely deleted or anonymised.

8. Cookies and Website Analytics

Our website may use cookies or similar technologies to enhance user experience and analyse website traffic. You may choose to disable cookies through your browser settings; however, some features of the website may not function properly.

9. Your Rights

In terms of POPIA, you have the right to:

Access your personal information
Request correction or deletion of your information
Object to the processing of your information
Withdraw consent where applicable
Lodge a complaint with the Information Regulator of South Africa

Requests can be made by contacting us using the details below.

10. Children’s Information

We do not knowingly collect personal information from children without appropriate consent from a parent or guardian. Where children’s information is collected for ministry purposes, it is handled with additional care and confidentiality.

11. Changes to This Privacy Policy

We may update this Privacy Policy from time to time. Any changes will be posted on this page with an updated revision date.

12. Contact Information

If you have any questions about this Privacy Policy or how we handle personal information, please contact:

[Church Name]
Email: [church@email.com]
Phone: [Phone Number]
Address: [Church Address]

“Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for human masters.” — Colossians 3:23