Last updated: 3 September 2026
1. Introduction
The Media Cartel (“we”, “us”, “our”) is committed to protecting your privacy and to processing your personal information lawfully, fairly and transparently. This Privacy Policy explains how we collect, use, store, share and protect your personal information when you visit www.themediacartel.co.za (the “Website”) or otherwise interact with us.
This policy is issued in accordance with the Protection of Personal Information Act 4 of 2013 (“POPIA”) and other applicable South African law.
By using this Website, you acknowledge that you have read and understood this Privacy Policy. If you do not agree with any part of it, please do not use the Website.
2. Who we are
The Media Cartel is the responsible party (data controller) in respect of the personal information described in this policy.
- Website: www.themediacartel.co.za
- Email: rochelle@themediacartel.co.za
3. What personal information we collect
We may collect and process the following categories of personal information:
Information you give us directly
- Name and surname
- Email address
- Telephone or mobile number
- Company or organisation name
- Any information you include in an enquiry, contact form, quote request or correspondence with us
Information collected automatically
- IP address and approximate location
- Browser type and version
- Device type and operating system
- Pages visited, time spent on the Website and referral source
- Cookies and similar tracking data (see section 7)
We do not intentionally collect special personal information (such as information on your health, race, religion or political affiliation) through the Website. Please do not submit such information to us unless specifically requested and consented to.
4. How we collect your information
We collect personal information:
- Directly from you when you complete a form, request a quote, subscribe to communications, or contact us by email or phone
- Automatically through cookies and analytics tools when you browse the Website
- From third parties where you have consented to them sharing your information with us, or where the law permits
5. Why we process your information
We process your personal information for the following purposes:
- To respond to your enquiries and provide the information, quotes or services you request
- To manage our relationship with you and provide client services
- To send you marketing communications where you have consented to receive them
- To improve our Website, services and user experience
- To comply with our legal and regulatory obligations
- To detect, prevent and address technical issues, fraud or security threats
6. Legal basis for processing
In line with POPIA, we process your personal information only where one or more of the following applies:
- You have given your consent
- Processing is necessary to perform a contract with you or to take steps at your request before entering into a contract
- Processing is necessary to comply with a legal obligation
- Processing protects a legitimate interest of yours, us or a third party, balanced against your rights
You may withdraw your consent at any time by contacting us using the details in section 15. Withdrawal does not affect the lawfulness of processing carried out before the withdrawal.
7. Cookies
The Website uses cookies and similar technologies to function correctly and to improve your experience. Cookies are small text files stored on your device.
We may use:
- Necessary cookies that are essential for the Website to operate
- Analytics cookies (for example, Google Analytics) that help us understand how visitors use the Website
- Functional cookies that remember your preferences
You can control or delete cookies through your browser settings. Disabling certain cookies may affect how the Website functions. For more detail on how third-party analytics providers process data, please refer to their own privacy policies.
8. Sharing and disclosure of your information
We do not sell your personal information. We may share it with:
- Operators (service providers) who process information on our behalf, such as hosting providers, email platforms, analytics providers and marketing tools, under written agreements requiring them to protect your information
- Professional advisers such as auditors, legal or accounting advisers where necessary
- Authorities or regulators where we are required to do so by law, court order or regulatory request
All operators are required to maintain appropriate security and to process personal information only for the agreed purposes.
9. Cross-border transfers
Some of our service providers (for example, cloud hosting, email or analytics platforms) may store or process personal information outside South Africa. Where this happens, we take reasonable steps to ensure that the recipient is subject to laws, binding rules or agreements that provide an adequate level of protection comparable to POPIA.
10. How we protect your information
We apply reasonable technical and organisational measures to safeguard your personal information against loss, unauthorised access, alteration or disclosure. These include secure hosting, access controls and encryption where appropriate.
While we take security seriously, no method of transmission over the internet or electronic storage is completely secure, and we cannot guarantee absolute security.
11. How long we keep your information
We retain personal information only for as long as is necessary to fulfil the purposes for which it was collected, including to satisfy any legal, accounting or reporting requirements. When information is no longer needed, we securely delete or de-identify it.
12. Your rights under POPIA
Subject to the requirements of POPIA, you have the right to:
- Be notified that your personal information is being collected or has been accessed by an unauthorised party
- Request access to the personal information we hold about you
- Request correction or deletion of personal information that is inaccurate, irrelevant, excessive, out of date or unlawfully obtained
- Object to the processing of your personal information on reasonable grounds
- Object to processing for direct marketing purposes
- Withdraw your consent where processing is based on consent
- Lodge a complaint with the Information Regulator
To exercise any of these rights, please contact us using the details in section 15. We may need to verify your identity before actioning your request.
13. Direct marketing
We will only send you direct marketing communications where you have consented or where otherwise permitted by law. Every marketing communication will include an option to unsubscribe. You can opt out at any time by using that option or by contacting us directly.
14. Children’s privacy
The Website is not intended for children under the age of 18, and we do not knowingly collect personal information from children without the consent of a parent or guardian. If you believe we have collected such information, please contact us so that we can delete it.
15. Contact us
If you have any questions about this Privacy Policy, wish to exercise your rights, or want to make a request relating to your personal information, please contact our Information Officer:
16. The Information Regulator
You have the right to lodge a complaint with the Information Regulator of South Africa:
- The Information Regulator (South Africa)
- Website: www.inforegulator.org.za
- General enquiries: enquiries@inforegulator.org.za
- POPIA complaints: POPIAComplaints@inforegulator.org.za
- Address: JD House, 27 Stiemens Street, Braamfontein, Johannesburg, 2001
17. Changes to this policy
We may update this Privacy Policy from time to time to reflect changes in our practices or legal requirements. The updated version will be posted on this page with a revised “Last updated” date. We encourage you to review this policy periodically.
