Introduction
MASHAL ADS ("we", "us", "our") respects your privacy. This Privacy Policy describes how we collect, use, disclose and safeguard personal information when you visit mashal.co.za, request a quote, book a consultation, contact us via WhatsApp, or engage us for services.
We process personal information in accordance with the Protection of Personal Information Act, 4 of 2013 ("POPIA") of South Africa and applicable international privacy standards.
Information we collect
We collect only what we need to respond to your enquiry and deliver our services:
- Contact details — name, email address, phone number, business name.
- Project details — budget range, service type, message content you submit through our contact, quote or booking forms.
- Technical data — IP address, browser type, device information, pages visited, referring URL, and approximate location, collected automatically via cookies and analytics.
- Communication records — WhatsApp messages, emails and call notes exchanged with us.
- Account data — if you create an account on a system we build for you, we may process credentials and usage logs strictly to operate that system.
How we use your information
- To respond to enquiries, prepare quotes and schedule consultations.
- To deliver, support and improve the websites, systems and campaigns we build for you.
- To send service-related updates, invoices and project communications.
- To analyse website traffic and improve our content, performance and conversions.
- To comply with legal, tax and regulatory obligations.
We do not sell your personal information. We do not use your data for unrelated marketing without your consent.
Legal basis (POPIA)
We process personal information on the following lawful grounds under POPIA:
- Consent — when you submit a form, message us, or accept cookies.
- Contract — to perform services you've engaged us for.
- Legitimate interest — to operate our website, prevent fraud and improve our offering.
- Legal obligation — to meet tax, accounting and regulatory requirements.
Data retention
We retain personal information only as long as needed for the purpose collected, or as required by law:
- Lead and enquiry data — up to 24 months from last interaction.
- Client project records — for the duration of the engagement plus 5 years for tax/accounting compliance.
- Website analytics — typically up to 14 months.
When data is no longer needed, we delete or anonymise it.
Security
We implement reasonable technical and organisational measures to protect personal information, including encrypted transport (HTTPS), access controls, role-based permissions, row-level security on our databases, and routine reviews of our systems. No method of transmission over the internet is 100% secure, so we cannot guarantee absolute security.
Your rights
Under POPIA you have the right to:
- Access the personal information we hold about you.
- Request correction or deletion of inaccurate or outdated information.
- Object to processing or withdraw consent at any time.
- Lodge a complaint with the Information Regulator of South Africa (inforegulator.org.za).
To exercise any of these rights, email albert@mashal.co.za. We will respond within a reasonable timeframe.
Children's privacy
Our services are not directed to individuals under 18. We do not knowingly collect personal information from children. If you believe a child has provided us with personal information, contact us and we will delete it.
Changes to this policy
We may update this Privacy Policy from time to time. The "Last updated" date at the top of this page reflects the most recent revision. Material changes will be communicated on our website.
Contact
For any privacy questions, requests or complaints, contact our Information Officer:
- albert@mashal.co.za
- +27 78 172 9232