Last updated: September 19, 2025
This Privacy Policy explains how Townzie (“we,” “us,” or “Townzie”) collects, uses, stores, and shares personal information when you use the Townzie website, platform, and related services (the “Platform”).
Townzie exists to help people discover South Africa’s small towns, connect with local hosts and providers, and book authentic stays, activities, products, and experiences. Trust is central to our community, and we are committed to handling personal information responsibly, transparently, and in accordance with applicable data protection laws, including South Africa’s POPIA and, where applicable, the GDPR.
Who controls your personal information
Personal data we collect
How we use personal data
Sharing and disclosure
Third-party partners and integrations
Your rights
Data retention
Security measures
Changes to this Privacy Policy
Contact details
Definitions
1.1 Data Controller
“Townzie,” “we,” “us,” or “our” refers to the Townzie entity operating the Platform and acting as the data controller for personal information processed in accordance with this Privacy Policy.
1.2 Payments and payout processing
Townzie facilitates payments made by users through third-party payment service providers. While Townzie does not itself provide banking or card services, it acts as an intermediary for receiving payments from users and sending payouts to Listing Owners.
To meet legal, regulatory, and anti-fraud requirements (including FICA / KYC obligations), Townzie processes certain personal and financial information related to payments and payouts as described in this Policy.
2.1 Information required to use the Platform
We collect personal information necessary to provide our services. Without this information, certain features may not be available.
2.1.1 Account and contact information
First and last name
Email address
Phone number
Password and account credentials
Profile photo (optional)
2.1.2 Listing owner verification (KYC / FICA)
To protect users and prevent fraudulent listings, Listing Owners may be required to provide:
Proof of identity (e.g. government-issued ID)
Proof of address
Proof of bank account ownership
Business information (where applicable)
This information is used solely to verify identity, comply with legal requirements, and enable payouts.
2.1.3 Payment and transaction information
When users make bookings or purchases:
Payment amount, date, and status
Payment method used (processed by third-party providers)
Payout details for Listing Owners (bank name, account holder name, account number)
Townzie does not store full card numbers. Payment details are handled by secure third-party payment providers.
2.2 Optional information you provide
You may choose to provide additional information, including:
Profile descriptions
Preferences and interests
Content such as listings, photos, reviews, and descriptions
Communications sent through contact forms or platform messaging
2.3 Information collected automatically
When you use the Platform, we may automatically collect:
IP address and approximate location
Device and browser information
Pages viewed, searches performed, and interactions
Cookies and similar technologies (see our Cookie Policy)
2.4 Information from third parties
We may receive information from:
Payment service providers (transaction confirmations, payout status)
Identity verification providers used for KYC checks
Public sources to verify listings or business legitimacy
Users who submit reports or complaints
We use personal data to:
3.1 Operate the Platform
Create and manage accounts
Enable bookings, purchases, and inquiries
Facilitate payments and payouts
Communicate with users electronically (email, forms, messaging)
3.2 Verify listings and prevent fraud
Confirm that listings are legitimate
Verify Listing Owners’ identities
Detect and prevent fraudulent or misleading activity
3.3 Improve and develop services
Analyse usage trends
Improve functionality and user experience
Fix bugs and maintain platform performance
3.4 Communication
All communications are electronic only and may include:
Emails
Contact forms
Platform messaging
We do not record phone calls or use biometric monitoring.
3.5 Marketing and updates
Send service-related notifications
Share updates or relevant information (you may opt out of marketing emails)
4.1 With other users
Limited information may be shared between users when necessary to complete a booking or inquiry (e.g. host contact details).
4.2 With service providers
We share information with trusted third-party providers who assist with:
Payment processing
Identity verification (KYC / FICA)
Hosting, analytics, and customer support
These providers are contractually required to protect your data.
4.3 Legal and regulatory requirements
We may disclose information where required to:
Comply with legal obligations
Respond to lawful requests from authorities
Prevent fraud or financial crime
Protect the rights and safety of Townzie and its users
The Platform may contain links to third-party services (e.g. maps, payment providers). Townzie does not control these services, and their privacy practices are governed by their own policies.
Depending on your location, you may have the right to:
Access your personal data
Request correction or deletion
Object to or restrict processing
Withdraw consent where applicable
You can manage certain information through your account or by contacting us.
We retain personal information only as long as necessary to:
Provide our services
Meet legal, tax, and regulatory obligations
Resolve disputes and enforce agreements
Some information (such as transaction records) may be retained longer where required by law.
We use appropriate administrative, technical, and organisational safeguards to protect personal data. However, no system can be guaranteed to be 100% secure.
We may update this Privacy Policy from time to time. The “Last updated” date will reflect the most recent changes. Continued use of the Platform constitutes acceptance of the updated Policy.
For questions or concerns about this Privacy Policy or your personal data, please contact us via the Contact Us page on the Townzie website.
Terms not defined in this Privacy Policy have the meanings given in Townzie’s Terms and Conditions.
