Introduction
At Manong Consulting (Pty) Ltd (“we,” “us,” or “our”), we are committed to protecting your privacy and personal information. This Privacy Policy explains how we collect, use, disclose, and safeguard your information when you visit our website (manongconsulting.co.za) and use our services.
This policy complies with the Protection of Personal Information Act (POPIA), Act 4 of 2013, and other applicable South African data protection laws.
By using our website or services, you agree to the collection and use of information in accordance with this policy. If you do not agree with our policies and practices, please do not use our website or services.
Information We Collect
Personal Information You Provide to Us
We collect personal information that you voluntarily provide to us when you:
- Apply for B-BBEE verification (EME, QSE, or Generic certificates)
- Fill out contact forms or request quotes
- Subscribe to our newsletter or updates
- Communicate with us via email, phone, WhatsApp, or other channels
- Visit our office
This information may include:
- Full name and ID number
- Company name, registration number, and details
- Contact information (email, phone, physical address)
- Business financial information and turnover
- Ownership structure and shareholder details
- Employee information and demographic data
- Banking details for payments
- Skills development records
- Supplier and enterprise development data
- Any other information required for B-BBEE verification
Information Automatically Collected
When you visit our website, we automatically collect certain information about your device and browsing behaviour, including:
- IP address
- Browser type and version
- Operating system
- Pages visited and time spent on pages
- Referring to website addresses
- Date and time of visits
- Device information
This information is collected through cookies and similar tracking technologies.
Information from Third Parties
We may receive information about you from:
- CIPC (Companies and Intellectual Property Commission)
- SARS (South African Revenue Service) – with your authorization
- Your auditors or accountants – with your authorization
- Other verification agencies (for supplier verification)
- Public databases and business registries
How We Use Your Information
We use the information we collect to:
Provide Verification Services
- Conduct B-BBEE verification assessments
- Calculate scorecards and determine B-BBEE levels
- Issue EME, QSE, and Generic certificates
- Verify financial information and company details
- Assess ownership, management, and transformation initiatives
- Process payments and maintain financial records
Maintain Accreditation and Compliance
- Comply with SANAS accreditation requirements
- Maintain verification records as required by law
- Submit required reports to regulatory authorities
- Ensure verification integrity and accuracy
Improve and Personalise Services
- Understand client needs and improve processes
- Enhance our website and user experience
- Develop new services and features
- Analyse trends in B-BBEE compliance
Communication
- Send verification updates and status notifications
- Provide certificate renewal reminders
- Share B-BBEE regulatory updates (with your consent)
- Respond to inquiries and support requests
- Send quotes and service information
Legal and Business Operations
- Comply with legal obligations
- Protect our rights and interests
- Prevent fraud and ensure security
- Enforce our terms and conditions
- Conduct internal analysis and reporting
Legal Basis for Processing (POPIA Compliance)
Under POPIA, we process your personal information based on the following lawful grounds:
- Consent: You have given explicit consent for verification services
- Contract Performance: Processing is necessary to fulfill our verification obligations
- Legal Obligation: We must process information to comply with SANAS, B-BBEE regulations, and other legal requirements
- Legitimate Interests: Processing is necessary for our business operations, provided this does not override your rights
How We Share Your Information
We may share your personal information in the following circumstances:
Regulatory and Accreditation Bodies
- SANAS (South African National Accreditation System) – for accreditation compliance
- Department of Trade, Industry and Competition – as required by B-BBEE regulations
- Information Regulator – if required
Service Providers
- IT service providers and website hosting
- Payment processors
- Document storage and archiving services
- Professional advisors (lawyers, auditors) under confidentiality
Verification Purposes
- Other verification agencies (when verifying your suppliers’ B-BBEE status)
- Government departments (when you authorise us for tender submissions)
- Corporate clients (when verifying supplier credentials with your consent)
Legal Requirements, We may disclose information to:
- Comply with legal obligations or court orders
- Protect our rights, property, or safety
- Prevent fraud or illegal activities
- Cooperate with law enforcement
Business Transfers If we are involved in a merger, acquisition, or sale, your information may be transferred. You will be notified of any such change.
With Your Consent We may share information for purposes not described here with your explicit consent.
We do not sell, rent, or trade your personal information to third parties.
Data Security
We implement appropriate technical and organisational security measures to protect your personal information against unauthorised access, alteration, disclosure, or destruction. These measures include:
- Secure server infrastructure and encryption
- Access controls and authentication
- Regular security assessments
- Employee training on data protection
- Confidentiality agreements with staff and partners
- Secure document storage and disposal procedures
However, no method of transmission over the internet or electronic storage is 100% secure. While we strive to protect your information, we cannot guarantee absolute security.
Data Retention
We retain your personal information only for as long as necessary to fulfill the purposes outlined in this policy, unless a longer retention period is required or permitted by law.
Client Information: We retain client files and project documentation for a minimum of 5 years after project completion, in accordance with professional standards and legal requirements.
Marketing Information: We retain newsletter subscriber information until you unsubscribe or request deletion.
Website Analytics: Automatically collected data is typically retained for 26 months.
When information is no longer needed, we securely delete or anonymise it.
Your Rights Under POPIA
As a data subject under POPIA, you have the following rights:
Right to Access: You can request access to your personal information we hold.
Right to Correction: You can request correction of inaccurate or incomplete information.
Right to Deletion: You can request deletion of your personal information in certain circumstances.
Right to Object: You can object to processing of your information for direct marketing or other purposes.
Right to Restriction: You can request restriction of processing in certain situations.
Right to Data Portability: You can request your information in a structured, commonly used format.
Right to Withdraw Consent: Where processing is based on consent, you can withdraw it at any time.
Right to Complain: You can lodge a complaint with the Information Regulator of South Africa.
To exercise any of these rights, please contact us using the details in the “Contact Us” section below.
Cookies and Tracking Technologies
Our website uses cookies and similar tracking technologies to enhance your browsing experience and collect information about how you use our site.
Types of Cookies We Use:
Essential Cookies: Necessary for the website to function properly. These cannot be disabled.
Analytics Cookies: Help us understand how visitors use our website (e.g., Google Analytics).
Functional Cookies: Remember your preferences and settings.
Marketing Cookies: Track your browsing to deliver relevant advertising (only with consent).
Managing Cookies: You can control cookies through your browser settings. However, disabling certain cookies may affect website functionality. Most browsers allow you to:
- View what cookies are stored and delete them individually
- Block third-party cookies
- Block all cookies from specific websites
- Block all cookies from being set
- Delete all cookies when you close your browser
For more information about cookies and how to manage them, visit www.allaboutcookies.org.
Third-Party Links
Our website may contain links to third-party websites and services. We are not responsible for the privacy practices of these external sites. We encourage you to read their privacy policies before providing any information.
Children's Privacy
Our services are not directed to individuals under the age of 18. We do not knowingly collect personal information from children. If you believe we have collected information from a child, please contact us immediately so we can delete it.
International Data Transfers
Your information is primarily stored and processed in South Africa. If we transfer information outside South Africa, we ensure appropriate safeguards are in place to protect your data in accordance with POPIA requirements.
Changes to This Privacy Policy
We may update this Privacy Policy from time to time to reflect changes in our practices or legal requirements. We will notify you of significant changes by:
- Posting the updated policy on our website
- Updating the “Last Updated” date
- Sending email notification for material changes (if you’ve provided your email)
We encourage you to review this policy periodically. Your continued use of our website or services after changes are posted constitutes acceptance of the updated policy.
Contact Us
If you have questions, concerns, or requests regarding this Privacy Policy or our data practices, please contact us:
Manong Consulting (Pty) Ltd
Email: info@manongconsulting.co.za
Phone: +27 11 764 2950
Physical Address: 3 Rooiblom St, Roodekrans, Roodepoort, 1724
Complaints to the Information Regulator
If you are not satisfied with how we handle your personal information or respond to your requests, you have the right to lodge a complaint with the Information Regulator of South Africa:
Information Regulator (South Africa)
Email: inforeg@justice.gov.za
Phone: 012 406 4818
Website: www.justice.gov.za/inforeg
Physical Address: JD House 27 Stiemens Street, Braamfontein ,Johannesburg 2001
Consent
By using our website and services, you consent to our Privacy Policy and agree to its terms.
For specific marketing communications, we will obtain your explicit opt-in consent before sending promotional materials. You can withdraw this consent at any time by clicking “unsubscribe” in our emails or contacting us directly.