The Forum Policies

PRIVACY POLICY

Effective Date: 05 November 2024

1. Introduction
The Forum and its subsidiaries are dedicated to protecting your privacy. This Privacy Policy describes how we collect, store, use, and protect information that may identify you or be associated with your identity.

2. Audience
This policy applies to: Visitors to our website and cClients (individuals or entities) inquiring about or using our products and services, including but not limited to guests, travel agents, corporations, and event organizers.

3. Personal Information
Personal information includes: automatically collected information when you visit theforum.co.za, service usage information gathered through the use of our products and services, additional information covered in other sections of this policy, optional information voluntarily provided by you.

Exclusions: Anonymized or permanently de-identified information. Publicly shared information in open forums or discussion boards, which is no longer considered confidential.

Examples of Personal Information Collected: Identifying details: title, name, identification number. Contact information; phone number, email address. Address information; residential, postal, or business addresses. Reservation and history information; booking records, revenue spend, and booking details. Other details; preferences, requests, vehicle registration, security surveillance in public areas. Technical information; usage details from interactions on The Forum website.

Sensitive Information (may include): Financial – credit card or bank details. Health-related – accessibility needs, dietary/allergy information, etc.

4. Acceptance of This Policy
Using our products and services implies acceptance of this policy and its terms. You may only access the website if you have the legal capacity to do so.

5. Collection Methods
From Browsers – We may automatically collect internet usage information, including IP address, browsing behavior, and page views. Optional Information – Voluntarily provided information through competitions, promotions, surveys, etc.

6. Purpose of Collection
We collect and process information to; provide our products and services, manage client relationships and enhance user experience, conduct business, marketing, legal, and statistical analysis.

7. Consent and Use of Information
We may use your information to fulfill our obligations and provide you with updates on products and services. You can choose to opt in or out of promotional messages.

8. Disclosure of Information
We may share your information with employees and departments requiring it to fulfill their roles, service providers performing tasks on our behalf, law enforcement and regulators, as required by law.

9. Security
We prioritize the security of your information through industry-standard practices, including SSL encryption and secure server environments.

10. Data Retention
We retain personal information only as long as necessary for the purposes outlined in this policy, or as required by law.

11. Limitations
We are not responsible for the privacy policies or practices of any third-party websites linked to or from our website.

12. Enquiries
If you have any questions or concerns regarding this policy, please contact us. We will make every reasonable effort to address your inquiries promptly.

PROTECTION OF PERSONAL INFORMATION POLICY

1. Introduction
The Forum (hereafter referred to as “we” or “our”) is committed to safeguarding your personal information. This policy outlines how we collect, process, store, and protect your data when you engage with our services, visit our website at www.theforum.co.za, or provide us with personal information in any other way. This policy complies with the South African Protection of Personal Information Act (POPIA).

2. What Data We Collect
Personal information we may collect includes:
• Identity Data: Name, title, ID number, nationality.
• Contact Data: Email, phone number, addresses.
• Transaction Data: Payment information, booking details.
• Usage Data: Details of your website interactions, IP address, browser type.
• Marketing Data: Communication preferences and interactions.

Sensitive Information may include:
• Financial data (e.g., credit card details) and health data (e.g., accessibility needs, dietary preferences).

3. Collection Methods
We gather information through:
• Direct Interactions: Information you provide when you sign up, contact us, or make bookings.
• Automated Technologies: Data collected from cookies and usage patterns on our website.
• Third Parties: Information from social media and analytics providers.

4. Purpose of Data Collection
We collect your data to:
• Deliver and manage our services.
• Improve and personalize user experience.
• Conduct analytics, marketing, and compliance activities.
• Fulfill legal obligations and maintain security.

5. Disclosure of Your Data
We may share your data with:
• Service Providers: Third parties supporting our operations (e.g., payment processing).
• Regulatory Bodies: In compliance with applicable laws.
• Marketing Partners: To provide targeted information, as per your preferences.

6.International Data Transfers
In some cases, we may transfer your data outside South Africa, ensuring protection through appropriate safeguards.

7. Data Security
We implement robust security measures, including SSL encryption and access controls, to protect your personal data from unauthorized access and use.

8. Data Retention
We retain your data only as long as necessary for the purposes outlined in this policy or as required by law.

9. Your Rights
Under POPIA, you have the right to:
• Request access to, correction of, or deletion of your data.
• Object to or restrict processing.
• Withdraw consent for specific uses of your data.
To exercise these rights, please contact our Information Officer.

10. Changes to this Policy
This policy may be updated periodically. Continued use of our services signifies acceptance of the latest terms.

11. Contact Us
For questions or concerns, please contact our Information Officer at [email protected].