1. Introduction
This Privacy Policy outlines how Pay Assist Loans (Pty) Ltd. trading as Safe Pal Global (“we”, “us”, “our”) collects, uses, discloses, and protects your personal information, in accordance with the Protection of Personal Information Act (POPIA), the Financial Advisory and Intermediary Services Act (FAIS), the National Credit Act (NCA), and all other relevant South African legislation. By using our services, you consent to the collection, processing, and retention of your personal information as described in this Policy.
2. Information We Collect
We collect and process personal information necessary for providing credit, payment, and financial services, including but not limited to:
- Full name and contact details
- Identity or passport number and copies of identity documents (for KYC/FICA)
- Payment information (credit/debit card details or bank details)
- Billing address
- Payment and transaction history
- Employment and income information (for credit assessment)
- Proof of address
- Any information required to comply with statutory obligations (e.g., FICA, NCA, FAIS)
3. Legal Basis for Processing
We collect and process your personal information on the following legal bases:
- With your consent
- To perform our contractual obligations with you
- To comply with legal and regulatory obligations (NCA, FICA, FAIS, etc.)
- To pursue our legitimate interests in managing our business and preventing fraud
4. Cookies and Tracking Technologies
We use cookies and similar tracking technologies to:
- Analyze website traffic and usage
- Personalize content and advertising
- Improve website functionality
You can manage your cookie preferences via your browser settings. Disabling cookies may affect certain site features.
5. How We Use Your Information
Your personal information is processed for:
- Credit assessment and granting of credit
- Processing applications and payments
- Performing customer due diligence and verifying identity (FICA/KYC compliance)
- Communication regarding payment plans, missed payments, arrears, or service issues
- Meeting our obligations under applicable financial sector laws
- Preventing fraud, money laundering, or the financing of terrorism
6. Protection of Your Personal Information
We implement reasonable technical and organizational measures to secure your personal information, including:
- Encryption for data in transit and at rest
- Secure data storage and restricted access
- Regular security reviews and staff training
- Incident response procedures for data breaches (as required by POPIA and the Information Regulator)
7. Sharing and Disclosure of Personal Information
We do not sell your personal information. We may share your personal information with:
- Payment processors (e.g., PayPal, Payfast) and credit bureaus (for credit assessments, as required by the NCA)
- Regulatory authorities (e.g., FSCA, NCR, FIC, Information Regulator)
- Third-party service providers who support our operations under confidentiality agreements
- Law enforcement or government authorities where required by law
We may also transfer your personal information cross-border only in compliance with section 72 of POPIA.
8. Data Subject Rights Under POPIA and FAIS
You have the right to:
- Access your personal information
- Request correction or deletion of your personal information
- Object to processing of your personal information in certain circumstances
- Lodge a complaint with the Information Regulator (South Africa) or FAIS Ombud
- Withdraw consent at any time (where processing is based on consent)
- Be notified of any data breaches affecting your personal information
To exercise these rights, contact us using the details below.
9. Data Retention
We retain your personal information for as long as required to fulfill our contractual and legal obligations, including:
- Retention periods required by the NCA, FICA, FAIS, and tax laws (typically up to 5 years after account closure or end of relationship)
- As long as needed to resolve disputes, enforce agreements, or comply with law
10. Complaints and Dispute Resolution
If you believe your privacy rights have been violated, you may:
- Contact us directly (see below)
- Lodge a complaint with the Information Regulator (https://www.justice.gov.za/inforeg/)
- Lodge a complaint with the FAIS Ombud for financial services complaints (https://www.faisombud.co.za/)
11. Changes to This Privacy Policy
We may update this Privacy Policy from time to time. Significant changes will be posted on our website and, where appropriate, notified to you directly.
12. Contact Information
If you have questions or concerns about this Privacy Policy or the way your personal information is handled, or wish to exercise your rights, please contact our Information Officer/Compliance Officer:
Email: globalsafepal@gmail.com
Information Officer: Pending
Physical Address: Bergsig Garden Village, 59 Springfontein Street, Durbanville, Cape Town, South Africa, 7550
