Privacy Policy - Still Bay Blue Zone

The Still Bay Blue Zone Initiative ("we", "us", or "our") is committed to protecting your personal information. This Privacy Policy explains what information we collect, how we use it, and your rights — in plain language, in line with South Africa’s Protection of Personal Information Act (POPIA).

1. Who We Are

The Still Bay Blue Zone Initiative is a community-driven project based in Stilbaai (Still Bay), Western Cape, South Africa. Our website is stillbaybluezone.co.za. You can reach us at info@stillbaybluezone.co.za.

2. What Information We Collect

We collect information in the following ways:

When you create an account

Your name, email address, and (optionally) your WhatsApp number. If you sign in with Google or Facebook, we receive your name and email from that provider.

When you join interest groups or RSVP to events

Which interests you select and which events you plan to attend.

When you contact us

Your name, email address, and the content of your message.

Automatically

Basic analytics data via Google Analytics (pages visited, time on site, general location). We do not use tracking cookies beyond what Google Analytics requires.

3. How We Use Your Information

To create and manage your member account.
To send you a welcome WhatsApp message when you provide your number.
To notify you about community events and Blue Zone activities you have expressed interest in.
To improve the website and understand how people use it.
To respond to enquiries you send us via the contact form.

We do not sell, rent, or trade your personal information to any third party.

4. WhatsApp Messaging

If you choose to share your WhatsApp number, we will send you a welcome message and may send you community updates. You can opt out at any time by replying STOP or by removing your WhatsApp number in your profile settings. Your number is never shared with third parties.

5. Third-Party Services

We use the following third-party services, each with their own privacy policies:

Google Analytics — website usage statistics. Google Privacy Policy.
Google Sign-In / Facebook Login — optional social sign-in. Only your name and email are passed to us.
WhatsApp (via Bluey) — community messaging. Messages are sent through our community assistant, Bluey.

6. Data Storage and Security

Your data is stored on a secure hosted server. Passwords are never stored in plain text — they are hashed using a strong one-way algorithm. We take reasonable precautions to protect your information from unauthorised access, but no system is 100% secure.

7. Your Rights (POPIA)

Under POPIA you have the right to:

Access the personal information we hold about you.
Correct inaccurate or outdated information.
Delete your account and associated data.
Object to the processing of your information for direct marketing.
Complain to the Information Regulator of South Africa if you believe your rights have been violated.

To exercise any of these rights, email us at info@stillbaybluezone.co.za. We will respond within 30 days.

8. Cookies

We use a minimal session cookie to keep you logged in while you browse the site. We also use Google Analytics cookies. By using this site you consent to these cookies. You can disable cookies in your browser settings, though some features may not work correctly.

9. Children’s Privacy

Our website is not directed at children under the age of 13. We do not knowingly collect personal information from children. If you believe a child has provided us with their information, please contact us and we will delete it promptly.

10. Changes to This Policy

We may update this Privacy Policy from time to time. When we do, we will update the date at the top of this page. Continued use of the website after changes are posted constitutes your acceptance of the updated policy.

Questions?

If you have any questions about this Privacy Policy or how we handle your data, please contact us at info@stillbaybluezone.co.za or use the contact form.