Introduction

At the District Grand Lodge of the Eastern Province of the Cape of Good Hope, we are committed to safeguarding the privacy, dignity, and trust of our members, visitors, and all users of our website. This Privacy Policy explains how we collect, use, disclose, store, and protect your personal information. By accessing or using our website, you acknowledge and consent to the practices described herein.

Information We Collect

Personal Information

We may collect personal information when you:

• Complete membership or contact forms

• Register for events or activities

• Make purchases through our e-commerce services

• Correspond with us by email or other means

This information may include (but is not limited to): your full name, postal address, email address, telephone number, billing and shipping details, and payment information.

Automatically Collected Information

When you visit our website, certain information is collected automatically through cookies and similar technologies, including your IP address, browser type, operating system, referral source, and browsing behaviour on our site.

Sensitive Information

We do not actively collect sensitive personal information (such as religious affiliation, health data, or financial account details beyond payment processing). If such information is voluntarily provided, it will be treated with the highest level of confidentiality.

How We Use Your Information

We use personal and technical information for the following purposes:

• To Provide Services: To process applications, manage memberships, respond to enquiries, facilitate event participation, and fulfil e-commerce orders.

• To Communicate: To share important updates, newsletters, meeting notices, or other Lodge-related information. You may opt out of non-essential communications at any time.

• To Improve Services: To analyse website usage, enhance functionality, and ensure a more effective user experience.

• For Security: To safeguard our systems, prevent fraud, and ensure compliance with legal and regulatory requirements.

Disclosure of Information

We respect the confidentiality of your information and will not sell, rent, or trade it to third parties. Disclosure may only occur under the following circumstances:

• Service Providers: With trusted third-party partners who assist in operating our website, processing payments, or delivering services, under strict confidentiality obligations.

• Legal Obligations: When disclosure is required by law, regulation, or court order, or to comply with lawful requests by public authorities.

• Safeguarding the Lodge: When necessary to protect the rights, property, or safety of the Lodge, its members, or the public.

Cookies and Tracking Technologies

Our website uses cookies and related technologies to improve functionality, analyse site usage, and personalise user experiences. You may adjust your browser settings to manage or block cookies; however, some site features may not function properly if cookies are disabled.

Data Security

We implement technical and organisational measures to protect your personal data from unauthorised access, alteration, disclosure, or destruction. While we strive for the highest level of protection, no method of transmission over the internet or electronic storage is completely secure, and therefore absolute security cannot be guaranteed.

Data Retention

We will retain your personal information only for as long as is reasonably necessary to fulfil the purposes outlined in this policy, including meeting any legal, accounting, or reporting requirements. When information is no longer required, it will be securely deleted or anonymised.

Your Rights

You are entitled to exercise the following rights under applicable data protection laws:

• Access: Request a copy of the information we hold about you.

• Correction: Request corrections to inaccurate or incomplete information.

• Deletion: Request the removal of your personal information, subject to legal or contractual restrictions.

• Objection/Restriction: Object to certain processing activities or request restrictions on how your data is used.

• Data Portability: Where applicable, request that your information be provided in a structured, machine-readable format.

To exercise these rights, please contact us using the details provided below.

Third-Party Links

Our website may include links to external websites. Please note that we are not responsible for the privacy practices or content of such third parties, and we encourage you to review their respective privacy policies.

International Data Transfers

If you access this website from outside South Africa, please be aware that your data may be transferred to and stored in jurisdictions with different data protection standards. By using our website, you consent to such transfers.

Changes to This Policy

This Privacy Policy may be updated periodically to reflect changes in our practices, technology, or legal requirements. The updated version will be posted on this website, with the “Effective Date” clearly indicated.

Contact Us

If you have any questions, concerns, or requests regarding this Privacy Policy or our handling of your personal information, please contact us:

Email: webmaster@tartanandtrowel.com
District Grand Lodge of the Eastern Province of the Cape of Good Hope