Privacy policy
Your information deserves care.
This policy explains what Cape Ummah collects, why we collect it, how editorial submissions are handled and the choices available to readers under South African privacy law.
1. Who is responsible for the information
Cape Ummah determines why and how personal information submitted through this website is used. Privacy questions, access requests and correction or deletion requests may be sent through the contact form with “General enquiry” selected and “Privacy request” in the first line.
2. Information we collect
Depending on how you use the site, we may receive your name, email address, telephone number, organisation, newsletter preference, message, story proposal, naming preference and any information you voluntarily include. Essential technical records may include an IP address, browser information, timestamps and security logs.
3. Why we use it
- To respond to enquiries, corrections, event notices and listing requests.
- To assess, verify and develop story submissions.
- To manage newsletter subscriptions and unsubscribe requests.
- To operate, secure, diagnose and improve the website.
- To keep appropriate editorial, consent and publication records.
- To meet legal obligations or protect legitimate rights where necessary.
4. Editorial submissions and sensitive information
A story submission may contain information about beliefs, health, family circumstances, children or other sensitive matters. Share only what is needed for the editorial team to understand the proposal. Naming preferences are taken seriously, but anonymity cannot be guaranteed until an editor has assessed the reporting, verification and legal considerations and confirmed an arrangement with you.
5. Consent, necessity and choice
Providing information through most forms is voluntary, but we cannot reply without contact details or assess a story without sufficient context. Where processing relies on consent, you may withdraw that consent for future use. Withdrawal does not undo lawful work already completed, including published journalism where another lawful basis applies.
6. Sharing and service providers
Access is limited to people who need the information for editorial, administrative, technical or legal work. Information may be processed by hosting, database, email or security service providers acting for Cape Ummah. We do not sell personal information. We may disclose information when legally required or when necessary to protect rights, safety and the integrity of the service.
7. Storage, security and retention
Reasonable technical and organisational safeguards are used to reduce loss, misuse, alteration and unauthorised access. No internet service can promise absolute security. Records are kept only for as long as reasonably necessary for the purpose collected, editorial accountability, dispute handling, security and applicable legal requirements, after which they should be deleted or de-identified.
8. Cookies and similar technology
The site may use an essential session cookie to protect forms and maintain basic functionality. Essential cookies cannot be switched off through the site without affecting those features. If optional analytics, advertising or personalisation technology is introduced, this notice and the available choices should be updated before that use begins.
9. Your choices and rights
You may ask whether Cape Ummah holds personal information about you and request access, correction, deletion, restriction or an explanation of its use, subject to applicable law and legitimate editorial or legal grounds. Newsletter recipients may unsubscribe at any time. Identity may need to be verified before a request is completed.
10. External links, children and changes
External sites have their own privacy practices. Children should use submission forms with the involvement of a parent, guardian or appropriate responsible adult. This policy may change when the service or legal requirements change; the effective date will be updated when material revisions are published.
11. Complaints
Please contact Cape Ummah first so the concern can be reviewed. You may also have the right to approach South Africa’s Information Regulator if you believe personal information has been handled unlawfully.