Privacy Policy

1. Introduction

AfriSMME Hub (“the Hub”, “we”, “us”, or “our”) is committed to protecting the privacy and personal information of all users who access our website and participate in our programmes, services, and initiatives.

This Privacy Policy explains how we collect, process, store, and protect personal information in accordance with the Protection of Personal Information Act.

By accessing or using this website or submitting personal information through it, you consent to the processing of your personal information in accordance with this Privacy Policy.

2. Definitions

For purposes of this policy:

• Personal Information means information relating to an identifiable natural or juristic person, including but not limited to names, contact details, identification numbers, employment history, financial information, and online identifiers.
• Processing means the collection, recording, storage, use, dissemination, or destruction of personal information.
• Data Subject refers to the person whose personal information is processed.

3. Information We Collect

AfriSMME Hub may collect the following categories of personal information:

3.1 Information Provided by Users

When you interact with our website, you may voluntarily provide information including:

• Full name
• Email address
• Telephone number
• Organisation or business details
• Messages submitted through contact forms

3.2 Job Applications and CV Submissions

Where individuals submit CVs or applications through the website or associated platforms, we may collect information contained within those documents including:

• Name and contact details
• Identity or passport information
• Educational background
• Employment history
• Professional qualifications
• Skills and competencies
• References
• Any other information voluntarily included in the CV

This information is collected for the purposes of recruitment, contractor engagement, internship opportunities, programme participation, or placement within projects connected to the AfriSMME Hub ecosystem.

3.3 Website Usage Information

We may automatically collect technical information including:

• IP address
• Browser type
• Device information
• Pages visited
• Time spent on the website

This information assists us in improving website functionality and user experience.

4. Purpose of Processing Personal Information

AfriSMME Hub processes personal information for the following purposes:

• Responding to enquiries submitted through the website
• Administering programmes and initiatives
• Communicating updates and opportunities
• Evaluating candidates for employment or contractor opportunities
• Facilitating placements with partner organisations
• Maintaining a talent pool for future opportunities
• Improving website functionality and services
• Complying with legal and regulatory obligations

5. Consent to Process Personal Information

By submitting personal information through the website, including CVs or application forms, you consent to AfriSMME Hub processing such information for the purposes described in this Privacy Policy.

Where CVs contain sensitive or special personal information, submission of the CV constitutes explicit consent to process that information for recruitment and placement purposes.

6. Sharing of Personal Information

AfriSMME Hub may share personal information where necessary with:

• Partner organisations
• Employers participating in placement programmes
• Programme partners and project stakeholders
• Professional advisors
• Service providers assisting with website or data hosting
• Regulatory or governmental authorities where required by law

Personal information will only be shared where it is necessary for legitimate operational purposes or required by law.

7. Data Retention

AfriSMME Hub retains personal information only for as long as reasonably necessary for the purpose for which it was collected. Unless otherwise required by law:

• CVs and job application information may be retained for up to 12 months for consideration for future opportunities.
• Website enquiry information may be retained for operational record purposes.

Individuals may request deletion of their information at any time.

8. International Data Transfers

Where personal information is stored using cloud-based services or external platforms, such information may be processed in jurisdictions outside South Africa.

AfriSMME Hub will take reasonable steps to ensure that such service providers maintain adequate data protection standards.

9. Security of Personal Information

AfriSMME Hub takes reasonable technical and organisational measures to safeguard personal information against loss, misuse, unauthorised access, disclosure, alteration, or destruction.

These measures include secure hosting environments, controlled access to information, and appropriate data management practices.

10. Data Subject Rights

In terms of the Protection of Personal Information Act, individuals have the right to:

• Request access to their personal information
• Request correction or updating of their information
• Request deletion or destruction of their information
• Object to the processing of personal information
• Withdraw consent previously given
• Lodge a complaint with the Information Regulator

Requests relating to personal information may be submitted to the Information Officer using the contact details below.

11. Information Officer

The AfriSMME Hub has appointed an Information Officer responsible for compliance with data protection legislation.

12. Data Breach Notification

In the event of a security breach that compromises personal information, AfriSMME Hub will take reasonable steps to notify affected individuals and the relevant regulatory authority as required by applicable law.

13. Cookies and Website Technologies

This website may use cookies or similar technologies to improve functionality and analyse website usage.

Users may configure their browser settings to decline cookies if preferred.

14. Third-Party Links

The website may contain links to external websites. AfriSMME Hub is not responsible for the privacy practices or content of such external websites.

Users are encouraged to review the privacy policies of third-party websites they visit.

15. Changes to This Privacy Policy

AfriSMME Hub reserves the right to amend this Privacy Policy from time to time to reflect changes in legal requirements or operational practices.

Updated versions will be published on this website.

16. Contact Information

For any queries regarding this Privacy Policy or the processing of personal information, please contact:

Last updated: March 2026