Last updated: [10 October 2025]

This Privacy Policy explains how The Brand Forge (Pty) Ltd (“we,” “us,” or “our”) handles your personal information collected on thebrandforge.co.za, in accordance with the Protection of Personal Information Act, No. 4 of 2013 (POPIA).

1. Who We Are (The Responsible Party)

The entity responsible for the collection and processing of your Personal Information (the Responsible Party) is:

• Responsible Party: The Brand Forge (Pty) Ltd

• Email: hello@brandforge.co.za

• Phone/WhatsApp: 078 583 6392

• Address: South Africa (service-area business)”]

Administrative Agent: Please note that all invoicing and payment processing is handled by our administrative partner, Circle Media (Pty) Ltd.

2. Information We Collect

You give us: name, email/phone, business details, project briefs/content, billing info.

Automatic: IP, device, pages viewed (analytics/cookies).

Payments: All payments are processed by Circle Media (Pty) Ltd using their secure payment gateways (ePayFast). We do not store, process, or transmit your full card details; this data is handled directly by the payment processor.

3. Why We Use It (Lawful Basis)

• Provide services & support (quotes, orders, delivery, handover) on behalf of The Brand Forge.

• Process payments and fulfill accounting obligations (handled by Circle Media as our processor).

• Improve & secure our site/services (legitimate interests).

• Legal duties (invoicing/tax).

• With consent: marketing emails, testimonials/case studies, non-essential cookies.

4. Sharing

We do not sell your personal information. We share data only when necessary to run our business or comply with the law:

• Administrative Partner: We share necessary data with Circle Media (Pty) Ltd for the sole purpose of generating invoices and processing payments for services rendered by The Brand Forge.

• Service Providers: We use trusted third-party providers for hosting/WordPress, payments, forms/briefs, analytics, anti-spam, and file delivery. They process data only to provide these specific services.

5. Cross-Border Processing

Some of our trusted service providers (e.g., hosting, analytics) may store or process data outside South Africa (e.g., EU/UK/US). We ensure that appropriate safeguards, as required by POPIA, are in place. By using our site and services, you understand that your data may be processed in these locations.

6. Retention

• Project/invoice records: ~3 years 

• Forms/briefs: up to 24 months (longer if an active project).

• Marketing data: until you unsubscribe. Analytics data is retained as per platform settings.

7. Your Rights

You may access, correct, delete, or object to certain processing, and withdraw consent.

Contact: hello@brandforge.co.za. We may need to verify your identity to action a request.

8. Cookies

We use essential cookies (for site functionality) plus optional analytics/marketing cookies. You can use our banner to Accept or Manage preferences. You can also block cookies in your browser settings.

9. Security

We use HTTPS, access controls, system updates, and regular backups to protect your data. No method is 100% secure; please notify us immediately if you suspect a security problem.

10. Third-Party Links

We are not responsible for the privacy practices or content of other websites linked from our site.

11. Contact & Complaints

For questions regarding this policy or data processing, please contact the Information Officer for The Brand Forge:

• Information Officer: Arthur Vengai

• Email: hello@brandforge.co.za

If you believe we have handled your Personal Information unlawfully, you have the right to lodge a complaint with the Information Regulator:

• Info Regulator Website: inforegulator.org.za

• Info Regulator Complaints Email: complaints.IR@justice.gov.za

12. Changes

We will update this page when our practices or legal requirements change. Please refer to the “Last updated” date above.