Last updated: 19 September 2025
These Terms and Conditions (“Terms”) govern your access to and use of the Townzie website, platform, and related services (collectively, the “Platform”). By accessing or using the Platform, you agree to be bound by these Terms.
Throughout these Terms, “Townzie”, “we”, “us”, or “our” refers to the Townzie entity operating the Platform.
These Terms incorporate the following policies by reference:
If you do not agree to these Terms, you may not use the Platform.
Townzie provides an online platform that allows users (“Members”) to discover, list, offer, book, and purchase accommodations, activities, events, products, and related services (“Listings”).
Members who create Listings are referred to as Listing Authors or Hosts. Members who book or purchase Listings are referred to as Guests.
Townzie does not own, control, manage, or operate Listings and is not a real estate agent, travel agency, broker, or insurer. Contracts for Listings are formed directly between Hosts and Guests, and Townzie is not a party to those agreements, except as described in relation to payments.
To use most features of the Platform, you must:
Be at least 18 years old
Create an account with accurate and up-to-date information
Be legally permitted to use the Platform under applicable law
You are responsible for safeguarding your account credentials and for all activity conducted through your account.
Townzie may require identity verification for Hosts and payout recipients to comply with fraud-prevention and FICA/KYC obligations.
3.1 Searching and discovery
Listings may be discovered using filters such as location, category, dates, and availability. Search results may be influenced by relevance factors including availability, price, popularity, engagement, and listing completeness.
3.2 Booking and payment
By booking or purchasing a Listing, you agree to pay the total price displayed at checkout, including applicable fees and taxes.
Payments are processed through third-party payment service providers. Townzie may collect payment from Guests and hold funds before releasing payouts to Hosts in accordance with the Payments Policy.
3.3 Accommodation bookings
A booking grants Guests a limited right to occupy the accommodation for the booking period, subject to the Host’s rules and applicable laws.
3.4 Activities, events, and services
Guests are responsible for ensuring they meet all requirements for participation in any activity or event and for assessing whether a Listing is suitable for them.
Cancellation and refund eligibility depends on the cancellation policy associated with each Listing and the applicable Cancellation and Refund Policy.
Both Guests and Hosts are responsible for any fees, price differences, or taxes resulting from booking changes they approve.
5.1 Host responsibilities
Hosts are responsible for:
The accuracy and legality of their Listings
Setting prices, availability, and rules
Complying with all applicable laws, regulations, and tax obligations
Ensuring Listings are not fraudulent or misleading
5.2 Identity verification and payouts
To receive payouts, Hosts must provide:
Valid identification
Proof of bank account ownership
Any information required to meet FICA/KYC and anti-fraud requirements
Townzie may delay or withhold payouts where verification is incomplete or concerns arise.
5.3 Independent relationship
Hosts act as independent providers. Nothing in these Terms creates an employment, partnership, or agency relationship between Townzie and any Host, except that Townzie may act as a payment collection agent as described in the Payments Policy.
Townzie charges service fees as described in the Service Fees Policy. Applicable fees are disclosed before checkout.
Hosts are responsible for determining, collecting, reporting, and remitting any applicable taxes unless Townzie explicitly agrees to collect taxes on their behalf.
Members may post reviews and other content. Reviews must be honest and respectful.
By submitting content, you grant Townzie a non-exclusive, worldwide, royalty-free license to use the content for operating and promoting the Platform.
You are responsible for ensuring you have the rights to any content you submit.
You agree not to:
Misrepresent yourself or Listings
Circumvent payments or fees
Solicit off-platform transactions
Scrape, hack, or interfere with the Platform
Use the Platform for unlawful or harmful purposes
Townzie may investigate reported issues and take appropriate action where necessary to protect users and the Platform.
Townzie may suspend or terminate accounts if:
These Terms or policies are violated
Fraud or misuse is suspected
Required verification is not provided
Required by law or regulatory obligations
Members may terminate their account at any time.
The Platform and Listings are provided “as is”. Townzie makes no guarantees regarding:
Listings or Hosts
Availability or accuracy
Safety or suitability of services
Townzie does not guarantee uninterrupted or error-free operation.
To the maximum extent permitted by law, Townzie shall not be liable for indirect, incidental, or consequential damages.
Townzie’s total liability shall not exceed:
For Guests: the amount paid in the 12 months preceding the claim
For Hosts: the amount earned in the 12 months preceding the claim
For all other cases: ZAR 1,000
You agree to indemnify and hold Townzie harmless from claims arising from:
Your use of the Platform
Your Listings or content
Your violation of these Terms or applicable laws
Townzie may update these Terms from time to time. Continued use of the Platform after changes take effect constitutes acceptance of the updated Terms.
These Terms are governed by the laws of South Africa, unless otherwise required by applicable consumer protection laws.
For questions about these Terms, please contact us via the Contact Us page on the Townzie website.
