Privacy policy

Last Updated: July 19, 2025

Welcome to Step-Up ("Step-Up," "we," "our," or "us"). We’re committed to protecting your privacy and ensuring your personal information is handled responsibly and transparently in line with South Africa’s Protection of Personal Information Act (POPIA). This Privacy Policy explains how we collect, use, share, and protect your data when you visit our website [www.step-up.africa], participate in our competitions, or engage with us through platforms such as WhatsApp.

1. Information We Collect

We may collect the following types of personal information:

  • Personal Details: Name, phone number, email address, residential and delivery addresses, and ID number when required.
  • Account Info: Username, password, preferences, and support communications.
  • Payment Info: Credit/debit card details and billing information. Payments are securely processed via Shopify or third-party gateways.
  • Technical Info: IP address, browser/device type, and how you interact with our Site.
  • Competition Activity: Entry history, prize status, and participation records.

2. How We Use Your Information

We process your personal information for the following purposes:

  • To Deliver Services: Manage your account, process transactions, deliver orders, and facilitate your entry into competitions.
  • To Communicate: Provide updates about your account or orders, respond to inquiries, and (with your consent) send promotional messages via email, SMS, or WhatsApp.
  • To Improve Our Platform: Analyse browsing and purchase behaviour to improve our services.
  • To Comply with the Law: Fulfil legal requirements and protect our rights.
  • To Send WhatsApp Messages: If you provide your phone number, we may send you a single WhatsApp message to invite you to opt in to marketing or service communications via WhatsApp. We will not continue messaging you unless you explicitly consent by opting in.

By opting in, you agree that we may send marketing updates, promotions, and service notifications via WhatsApp, and that we may use a third-party provider to process your data on WhatsApp’s platform for these purposes.

3. Sharing Your Information

We do not sell your personal data. However, we may share it in the following cases:

  • With Service Providers: This includes Shopify, payment processors, WhatsApp API partners (e.g., AiSensy or Twilio), cloud providers, and analytics tools.
  • Legal and Compliance: When required by law or court order.
  • Business Transactions: During any potential merger, acquisition, or restructuring.

Our third-party WhatsApp processor will only process your data as instructed by us and in compliance with POPIA.

4. Security of Your Data

We use industry-standard security measures to protect your personal information. However, no system is entirely secure, so we encourage users to safeguard their own account credentials.

5. Your POPIA Rights

In terms of POPIA, you may have the right to:

  • Access your personal information
  • Correct or update incorrect or outdated information
  • Object to processing for direct marketing purposes
  • Request deletion of your personal information under specific conditions
  • Withdraw consent, especially for marketing or automated communication

To exercise these rights, contact us at info@step-up.africa.

6. Cookies and Analytics

We use cookies and tracking tools to improve site performance and tailor content. You can manage cookie preferences through your browser. See our [Cookie Policy] for full details.

7. WhatsApp Communication & Marketing Consent

If you provide a mobile number:

  • We may send a one-time WhatsApp opt-in request.
  • Continued WhatsApp communication will only occur if you consent.
  • If you opt in, your information will be securely shared with an authorised WhatsApp Business API partner acting as a data processor.
  • You can withdraw consent at any time by replying “STOP” or contacting us.

8. Children’s Privacy

Our services are intended for users over 18. We do not knowingly collect data from minors. If we become aware of such collection, we will delete it immediately.

9. Shopify and International Transfers

Step-Up is powered by Shopify, which may process your data in countries outside South Africa. These transfers are subject to data protection safeguards. Learn more at the Shopify Privacy Portal.

10. Changes to This Policy

We may update this Privacy Policy occasionally. When we do, we will revise the “Last Updated” date and notify users as required.

11. Contact Us

If you have any questions or concerns about this policy or how your personal information is handled, please reach out to:

Email: info@step-up.africa
Address: Cape Town, South Africa