Privacy Policy
Last updated: 13 September 2026
At African Chess Lounge, we are committed to protecting your privacy and ensuring the security of your personal information. This Privacy Policy explains how we collect, use, disclose, and safeguard your information when you visit our website, register for events, sign up for our programs, or interact with our services.
We comply with the Protection of Personal Information Act (POPIA) of South Africa and other applicable data protection regulations. By using our services, you consent to the data practices described in this policy.
Note: If you have any questions or concerns about this Privacy Policy, please contact us at info@africanchesslounge.org
Information We Collect
Personal Information
When you register for events, sign up for our newsletter, or create an account, we collect personal information including your name, email address, phone number, date of birth, and chess ratings (CHESSA/FIDE IDs where applicable).
Payment Information
For paid events and shop purchases, we collect payment details. Payment processing is handled securely by third-party payment providers (Yoco). We do not store complete credit card information on our servers.
Usage Data
We automatically collect information about your device, browser type, IP address, pages visited, and time spent on our site to improve our services and user experience.
How We Use Your Information
Service Delivery
We use your information to process event registrations, manage memberships, fulfill shop orders, and communicate important updates about your bookings.
Communications
With your consent, we send newsletters, event announcements, and promotional materials. You can unsubscribe from marketing communications at any time.
Improvement & Analytics
We analyze usage data to improve our website, programs, and services. This includes understanding which events are most popular and how users navigate our site.
Legal Compliance
We may use your information to comply with legal obligations, resolve disputes, and enforce our terms and conditions.
Data Security
Security Measures
We implement industry-standard security measures to protect your personal information from unauthorized access, disclosure, alteration, or destruction. This includes encryption, secure servers, and regular security audits.
Access Control
Access to personal data is restricted to authorized personnel who need it to perform their job functions. All staff members are trained in data protection practices.
Data Breach Protocol
In the unlikely event of a data breach, we will notify affected users and relevant authorities within 72 hours as required by law.
Cookies & Tracking
Essential Cookies
We use essential cookies to enable core website functionality, including user authentication and session management.
Analytics Cookies
We use analytics tools to understand how visitors interact with our site. This helps us improve user experience and content.
Managing Cookies
You can control cookies through your browser settings. Note that disabling cookies may affect website functionality.
Third-Party Services
Payment Processors
We use Yoco for secure payment processing. Your payment information is handled according to their privacy policy and PCI-DSS standards.
Email Services
We use email service providers to send newsletters and transactional emails. These providers have access to email addresses and names for delivery purposes only.
Cloud Storage
Our database and files are hosted on secure cloud infrastructure providers. These services are compliant with international data protection standards.
Social Media
Our website may include social media features. These features may collect your IP address and set cookies. Social media features are governed by the privacy policies of the respective platforms.
Your Rights (POPIA Compliance)
Right to Access
You have the right to request a copy of the personal information we hold about you.
Right to Rectification
You can request corrections to inaccurate or incomplete personal information.
Right to Erasure
You can request deletion of your personal data, subject to legal retention requirements.
Right to Restrict Processing
You can request that we limit how we use your personal information.
Right to Data Portability
You can request your data in a structured, commonly used, machine-readable format.
Right to Object
You can object to processing of your personal data for direct marketing purposes at any time.
Right to Withdraw Consent
Where processing is based on consent, you have the right to withdraw that consent at any time.
Data Retention
Active Data
We retain your personal information for as long as your account is active or as needed to provide you services.
Legal Requirements
We may retain certain information for longer periods as required by law, including financial records for tax purposes (typically 5-7 years).
Deletion Requests
Upon request, we will delete your personal information, except where retention is required by law or for legitimate business purposes.
Children's Privacy
Our services are available to children under 18. When children register for events or programs, we require parental or guardian consent. We collect only the minimum necessary information required for program participation and event registration.
Parents and guardians have the right to review, modify, or request deletion of their child's personal information at any time by contacting us at info@africanchesslounge.org
Changes to This Privacy Policy
We may update this Privacy Policy from time to time to reflect changes in our practices, technology, legal requirements, or other factors. We will notify you of any material changes by:
- Posting the updated policy on this page with a new "Last Updated" date
- Sending an email notification to registered users
- Displaying a prominent notice on our website
We encourage you to review this Privacy Policy periodically to stay informed about how we are protecting your information.
Questions About Your Privacy?
If you have questions, concerns, or wish to exercise your data protection rights, please contact our Data Protection Officer:
Postal Address
African Chess Lounge
1 Memento Drive
Durbanville, 7550
Western Cape, South Africa
We will respond to your inquiry within 30 days as required by POPIA.
Your Consent
By using our website and services, you consent to this Privacy Policy and agree to its terms. If you do not agree with this policy, please do not use our services.
For specific processing activities that require explicit consent (such as marketing communications), we will request your consent separately and provide you with the ability to withdraw that consent at any time.