Privacy Policy

This Privacy Policy explains how Swerweling collects, uses, and protects your information when you use our website and services.

At a glance

We collect: account/contact info (if provided), usage/device data, and content you submit.
We use it to: provide features, personalize, improve performance and security, and support you.
We share: only with contracted service providers; we do not sell your data.
Your choices: manage cookies in your browser; request access, correction, or deletion by contacting us.
Contact: wimpie@swerweling.co.za

Who we are

Data controller: Swerweling (South Africa).
Contact: wimpie@swerweling.co.za

What data we collect

Account and contact information (if you create an account or contact us): name, email, and any details you voluntarily provide.

Usage and device data: IP address, device/browser type, pages viewed, referring pages, and timestamps.

Content you submit: reviews, ratings, photos, and messages you choose to provide.

Cookies and similar technologies: used to remember preferences and measure site usage. See “Cookies and analytics.”

How we use your data

- Operate and provide site features such as town comparisons, rankings, maps, and trip planning.
- Personalize content and remember preferences.
- Monitor performance, debug, and improve the service.
- Communicate with you about updates and respond to inquiries.
- Prevent fraud, abuse, and ensure security.

Legal bases and POPIA basis

POPIA (South Africa): We process personal information when: (a) you consent; (b) processing is necessary to perform or conclude a contract with you; (c) we must comply with legal obligations; or (d) it is necessary for our legitimate interests (such as securing and improving our services) balanced against your rights.

GDPR/UK GDPR (where applicable): If you are in the EU/UK, we rely on consent, performance of a contract, compliance with legal obligations, and legitimate interests as defined above.

Cookies and analytics

We use cookies and similar technologies to operate the site, remember settings, and understand aggregate usage.

Analytics: We use Google Analytics to measure and improve site performance. Google may set cookies and collect usage data. Learn how Google uses data from partners here. You can opt out via the Google Analytics Opt-out Browser Add-on or by adjusting your browser settings. Your browser’s “Do Not Track” signal may not be recognized by all services.

Data sharing and subprocessors

We do not sell your personal information. We share limited data with trusted service providers who help us host, secure, and operate our services (for example, infrastructure, analytics, email delivery). These providers are bound by contracts to process data only on our instructions and with appropriate safeguards. We may also disclose information to comply with the law or protect our rights.

International transfers

Your information may be processed in countries outside your own. When we transfer data internationally, we use appropriate safeguards (such as contractual commitments) to protect your information, consistent with applicable law.

Data retention

We retain personal information only for as long as necessary for the purposes described in this policy: account data for the life of the account; communications for up to 24 months; analytics and logs for up to 24 months; and records needed to comply with legal or regulatory obligations for the period required by law.

Security

We implement administrative, technical, and physical safeguards appropriate to the nature of the information we process (for example, access controls, encryption in transit, and monitoring). However, no method of transmission over the Internet or electronic storage is 100% secure.

Children’s privacy

Our services are not directed to children under 16, and we do not knowingly collect personal information from children. If you believe we have collected information about a child, please contact us so we can delete it.

Your rights and how to exercise them

Depending on your location, you may have rights to request access, correction, deletion, portability, or to object to/restrict certain processing. To exercise these rights, contact us at wimpie@swerweling.co.za. We may need to verify your identity and will respond within applicable timeframes.

Changes to this policy

We may update this policy from time to time. We will post the updated version here and revise the “Last updated” date above. If changes are significant, we may provide additional notice.