Privacy Policy

Draft Privacy Policy pending final legal review. Information Officer details below will be finalised before public launch.

LOHAPLACE is a product and trading name of Locust Harvest (Pty) Ltd ("we", "us"), which is committed to protecting your personal information in accordance with the Protection of Personal Information Act 4 of 2013 ("POPIA").

1. Information We Collect

Account information: name, email, phone number, password (hashed), role (Customer/Provider).
Provider information: business name, business type, ID/registration number, service categories, city/province, licence and insurance documents, banking details (once payments are enabled).
Usage information: searches, jobs requested/accepted, reviews and ratings, device and log data.
Payment information: if you are a paying Provider, your card details are collected and processed directly by PayFast, our payment gateway. LOHAPLACE does not receive or store your full card number, CVV, or expiry date.

2. How We Use Your Information

We use personal information to create and manage your account; match Customers with suitable Providers; verify Provider identity, licensing, and standing; process subscription payments via PayFast; send service and transactional notifications; investigate disputes, fraud, or breaches of our Terms; and improve the Platform.

3. Lawful Basis for Processing

We process personal information because it is necessary to perform our contract with you, to comply with legal obligations, and/or based on your consent, which you may withdraw at any time (this may limit your ability to use certain features).

4. Sharing of Information

Between Customers and Providers: when a match is made, relevant contact and profile details are shared so the job can be arranged.
PayFast: payment details are shared directly with PayFast to process subscription payments.
Sub-processors: hosting, database, and email providers who process data on our behalf under confidentiality obligations.
Legal requirements: where required by law, court order, or to protect the rights, safety, or property of LOHAPLACE or others.

We do not sell personal information to third parties.

5. Data Retention

We retain personal information for as long as your account is active and thereafter for as long as necessary to comply with legal, tax, and dispute-resolution obligations, after which it is deleted or anonymised.

6. Your Rights Under POPIA

You have the right to request access to the personal information we hold about you; request correction or deletion of inaccurate or unlawfully processed information; object to processing in certain circumstances; and lodge a complaint with the Information Regulator of South Africa (inforegulator.org.za) if you believe we have not complied with POPIA.

7. Security

We use reasonable technical and organisational measures — including encrypted connections (TLS/SSL), access controls, and hashed passwords — to protect your information. No system is 100% secure, and we encourage you to use a strong, unique password.

8. Cookies

The Platform may use cookies and similar technologies for login sessions, security, and analytics. You can control cookies through your browser settings.

9. Children

The Platform is not directed at children under 18, and we do not knowingly collect personal information from children.

10. Changes to This Policy

We may update this Privacy Policy from time to time. Material changes will be flagged on the Platform.

11. Contact / Information Officer

Questions about this Privacy Policy or requests relating to your personal information can be sent to our support team via the Support page.