VukaWork Privacy Policy
Last updated: September 20, 2025
1. Introduction
VukaWork ("we," "our," or "us") is committed to protecting your privacy and personal information. This Privacy Policy explains how we collect, use, store, and protect your information when you use our mobile application and services.
This policy complies with the Protection of Personal Information Act (POPIA) of South Africa and other applicable privacy laws.
2. Information We Collect
2.1 Personal Information
- Name and surname
- Email address
- Phone number
- Identity document number (for payment verification)
- Physical address
- Banking details (for payments)
- Profile photo (optional)
- Skills and work experience
2.2 Usage Information
- App usage patterns and preferences
- Device information (model, operating system)
- Location data (when using location-based services)
- Communication data (messages between users)
- Job posting and application history
- Payment and transaction history
2.3 Technical Information
- IP address
- Device identifiers
- App version and usage analytics
- Crash reports and error logs
3. How We Use Your Information
3.1 Service Provision
- Creating and managing your account
- Facilitating job posting and applications
- Processing payments through TradeSafe
- Enabling communication between users
- Providing customer support
3.2 Fee Processing
- Calculating and processing platform fees (4% + R2.50 per user type)
- Managing payment distributions and refunds according to cancellation policies
- Processing TradeSafe escrow transactions
- Maintaining transaction records for tax and legal compliance
3.3 Service Improvement
- Analyzing usage patterns to improve features
- Personalizing your experience
- Conducting research and analytics
- Developing new features and services
3.4 Legal and Safety
- Preventing fraud and abuse
- Complying with legal obligations
- Protecting user safety and security
- Resolving disputes
4. Information Sharing
4.1 With Other Users
Your profile information, skills, and work history are visible to other users to facilitate job matching. You can control what information is displayed in your profile settings.
4.2 With Service Providers
- TradeSafe: Payment processing and escrow services
- Firebase/Google: App infrastructure and analytics
- Google Maps: Location and mapping services
- Cloud service providers: Data storage and processing
4.3 Legal Requirements
We may disclose information when required by law, court order, or to protect the rights, property, or safety of VukaWork, our users, or others.
5. Data Security
5.1 Security Measures
- Encryption of data in transit and at rest
- Secure authentication systems
- Regular security audits and updates
- Access controls and monitoring
- Secure payment processing through TradeSafe
5.2 Data Breach Response
In the unlikely event of a data breach, we will notify affected users and relevant authorities within 72 hours as required by POPIA.
6. Your Rights Under POPIA
As a data subject under POPIA, you have the right to:
- Access: Request copies of your personal information
- Correction: Update or correct inaccurate information
- Deletion: Request deletion of your personal information
- Objection: Object to processing of your information
- Restriction: Request limitation of processing
- Portability: Receive your data in a structured format
- Withdraw consent: Withdraw consent for data processing
7. Data Retention
We retain your personal information for as long as necessary to provide our services and comply with legal obligations:
- Active accounts: Data retained while account is active
- Closed accounts: Data retained for 7 years for tax and legal compliance
- Payment records: Retained for 5 years as required by financial regulations
- Communication logs: Retained for 2 years for dispute resolution
8. Cookies and Tracking
We use cookies and similar technologies to:
- Remember your preferences and settings
- Analyze app performance and usage
- Provide personalized experiences
- Ensure security and prevent fraud
You can control cookie preferences through your device settings.
9. Children's Privacy
VukaWork is not intended for users under 18 years of age. We do not knowingly collect personal information from children under 18. If we become aware that we have collected information from a child under 18, we will delete it immediately.
10. International Data Transfers
Your information may be transferred to and processed in countries outside South Africa, including the United States (for Firebase/Google services). We ensure appropriate safeguards are in place to protect your information during such transfers.
11. Changes to This Policy
We may update this Privacy Policy from time to time. When we make changes, we will:
- Update the "Last updated" date
- Notify users through the app or email
- For significant changes, obtain your consent where required
12. Third-Party Services
Our app integrates with third-party services that have their own privacy policies:
This Privacy Policy is effective as of the date stated above and applies to all users of VukaWork services.