Privacy Policy

Southside FM Privacy Policy

Effective: April 2026
Last updated: April 2026

Introduction
Southside FM is a community‑based, non‑profit radio station serving the Southside Durban community. We respect your privacy and are committed to protecting personal information collected through our website, broadcasts, events, fundraising and other activities. This policy explains what information we collect, why we collect it, how we use and protect it, your rights, and how to contact us.

1. Scope and legal basis for processing

What this policy covers: personal information collected from website visitors, listeners, volunteers, donors, advertisers, sponsors, job applicants and other stakeholders.
Legal framework: Southside FM processes personal information in accordance with the Protection of Personal Information Act (POPIA) and related regulations; we also operate under broadcasting and community radio regulations administered by ICASA and comply with other applicable South African laws. POPIA Independent Communications Authority of South Africa

Lawful bases for processing: we rely on one or more of the following where applicable: consent, performance of a contract, legal obligation, legitimate interests (balanced against individual rights), and public interest in community broadcasting. We will identify the lawful basis when we collect your information.

2. What we collect and why

Categories of personal information we may collect:

• Contact details: name, email, phone, postal address — for enquiries, subscriptions, bookings and communications.
• Identifiers and verification data: ID or passport numbers, proof of address, bank details — where required for donations, sponsorship agreements, prize fulfilment or regulatory checks.
• Broadcast contributions: voice recordings, photographs, messages, competition entries — for on‑air use and promotion.
• Website and technical data: IP address, device and browser information, cookies, analytics data.
• Employment and volunteer data: CVs, references, qualifications, emergency contact details.
• Financial transaction data: donation amounts, payment method, tax‑related information where applicable.

Why we collect it: to operate the station, manage broadcasts and programming, process donations and sponsorships, administer competitions and events, recruit staff and volunteers, comply with legal and regulatory obligations, and communicate with our community.

3. Legal and regulatory compliance (POPIA, FICA, ICASA and related obligations)

POPIA compliance: Southside FM acts as a responsible party under POPIA and implements the conditions for lawful processing, including accountability, purpose limitation, information quality, openness, security safeguards and data subject participation. You will be informed about the purpose of collection and your rights when we collect your data. POPIA

Information Regulator guidance: we follow the Information Regulator’s guidance on direct marketing, children’s data, breach notification and other POPIA matters when applicable. Information Regulator

FICA and financial due diligence: where Southside FM receives donations, sponsorships or payments that trigger anti‑money‑laundering or customer‑due‑diligence obligations (for example large or suspicious transactions, or where we act in a capacity that makes us an “accountable institution”), we may be required to collect and verify identity documents and retain records in line with the Financial Intelligence Centre Act (FICA). If such checks are required we will notify you and explain the legal basis. clearcomply.co.za

Broadcasting and community radio regulation: as a licensed community broadcaster we maintain records and operate in line with ICASA’s Community Broadcasting Services Regulations and the Broadcasting Act. This may require retention of certain programme logs, sponsorship records and community participation documentation. Independent Communications Authority of South Africa SAFLII

4. How we use, share and retain information

Use and disclosure: we use personal information to provide services, manage relationships, process donations, run competitions, publish contributions (with consent), and meet legal obligations. We may share information with:

• Service providers (hosting, payment processors, email platforms, analytics providers) under written agreements that require appropriate security and limited use;
• Regulators and law enforcement where required by law (e.g., ICASA, FIC, Information Regulator);
• Professional advisers (legal, accounting) when necessary;
• Third parties only with your consent or where permitted by law.

Cross‑border transfers: where we transfer personal information outside South Africa (for example to cloud service providers), we will ensure adequate safeguards are in place and comply with POPIA requirements for transborder flows.

Retention: we retain personal information only as long as necessary for the purpose collected, to meet legal or regulatory obligations (for example record‑keeping requirements under FICA and broadcasting regulations), or to resolve disputes. Where no longer required we will securely delete or anonymise the data. (Certain statutory retention periods may apply; for example some regulatory records are retained for a minimum period as required by law.) clearcomply.co.za Independent Communications Authority of South Africa

5. Your rights and how to exercise them

Under POPIA you have the right to: request access to your personal information; request correction or deletion of inaccurate or unnecessary information; object to processing in certain circumstances; withdraw consent where processing is based on consent; and request a record of processing activities. We will respond to requests in accordance with POPIA timeframes and may require proof of identity before fulfilling requests. POPIA

Direct marketing opt‑out: if you no longer wish to receive marketing communications from us you may opt out at any time using the unsubscribe link in emails or by contacting our Information Officer (details below). We will respect your choice and update our records promptly. Information Regulator

6. Security, breaches, complaints and contact details

Security measures: we implement reasonable technical and organisational measures to protect personal information against loss, unauthorised access, alteration and disclosure. Measures include access controls, encryption where appropriate, staff training and contractual safeguards with service providers.

Data breaches: if a breach occurs that poses a risk to your rights and freedoms we will notify the Information Regulator and affected data subjects as required by POPIA.

Complaints and enquiries: if you have questions, wish to exercise your rights, or want to make a complaint about our handling of personal information, please contact our Information Officer:

Information Officer
Southside FM
Email: admin@southsidefmsa.co.za
Postal: 42 Silverglen Drive, Bayview, Chatsworth 4092
Phone: 074 345 4447

If you remain dissatisfied after contacting us you may lodge a complaint with the Information Regulator (details available at the Regulator’s website).

Additional notes

• Children: we do not knowingly collect personal information from children under 18 for marketing purposes. Where we collect recordings or contributions from minors (e.g., school projects), we will obtain parental or guardian consent as required. POPIA
• Cookies and analytics: our website uses cookies and analytics to improve user experience. You can manage cookie preferences via your browser settings; our cookie banner explains the categories of cookies we use.
• Changes to this policy: we may update this policy to reflect legal or operational changes. The effective date at the top will be revised and material changes will be communicated where appropriate.

Acknowledgement
By using our website, participating in our programmes, donating or otherwise interacting with Southside FM you acknowledge that you have read and understood this Privacy Policy.