Last Updated: 2/16/2025
The South African Institute of Canada (SAIC) values your privacy and is committed to protecting your personal information. This Privacy Policy explains how we collect, use, and protect your data when you interact with our website, services, and membership programs.
1. Information We Collect
We collect the following types of information when you visit our website, sign up for a membership, or engage with SAIC services:
✅ Personal Information: Your name, email address, phone number, and mailing address (only if provided).
✅ Membership & Payment Details: If you sign up for a membership, we collect necessary payment details (handled securely through third-party payment processors).
✅ Communication Data: Emails, messages, or inquiries sent to us.
✅ Website Usage Data: Non-identifiable data such as browser type, IP address, and interactions with our website (collected via cookies and analytics).
2. How We Use Your Information
We use your information to:
✔ Provide Services – Process memberships, send event updates, and manage volunteer sign-ups.
✔ Improve SAIC – Enhance user experience, analyze website traffic, and optimize our programs.
✔ Stay Connected – Send newsletters, respond to inquiries, and share updates (you can opt-out anytime).
✔ Legal Compliance – Ensure compliance with legal and financial regulations in Canada.
We DO NOT sell, rent, or trade your personal information to any third parties.
3. How We Protect Your Data
Your security matters. We take reasonable measures to safeguard your personal information, including:
🔒 Secure servers & encrypted databases
🔒 Restricted access to personal data
🔒 Secure third-party payment processing (we never store credit card details)
However, no online platform is 100% secure, so while we do our best to protect your data, we encourage you to use strong passwords and be mindful of sharing sensitive details online.
4. Cookies & Tracking
We use cookies to:
🍪 Improve website functionality
🍪 Understand how visitors use our site
🍪 Provide a smoother browsing experience
You can disable cookies in your browser settings, but some site features may not work as intended.
5. Third-Party Services & Links
SAIC may use third-party services (e.g., payment processors, event platforms) that have their own privacy policies. We encourage you to review their policies before sharing personal data.
Our website may contain links to external sites—SAIC is not responsible for their privacy practices.
6. Your Rights & Choices
You have the right to:
✔ Access your data – Request a copy of the personal information we have.
✔ Update or delete your data – Contact us if you need changes.
✔ Opt-out of communications – Unsubscribe from emails anytime.
✔ Limit cookie tracking – Adjust your browser settings.
To exercise these rights, email us at lois@thesouthafricaninstitute.ca
7. Updates to This Policy
We may update this Privacy Policy from time to time to reflect changes in laws or services. The latest version will always be available on our website.
8. Contact Us
If you have any questions about this Privacy Policy, please contact us at:
📩 Email: lois@thesouthsfricaninstitute.ca
📍 Address: 1030 Aubeneau crescent, West Vancouver, BC, V7T 1T5
