Privacy Policy
Last Updated: 12 February 2026
1. Introduction
Watchlist ("we", "our", "us") operates a directory of property professionals in South Africa. This Privacy Policy explains how we collect, use, disclose, and protect information when you use our website and services.
We are committed to protecting your privacy and complying with the Protection of Personal Information Act (POPIA) and other applicable South African data protection regulations.
2. Information We Collect
2.1 Information You Provide
When you use our contact form or communicate with us, we collect:
- Your name
- Email address
- Phone number
- Any information you include in your message
2.2 Information We Collect Automatically
When you visit our website, we automatically collect certain information, including:
- IP address
- Browser type and version
- Device information
- Pages visited and time spent on pages
- Referring website
- Date and time of visit
2.3 Professional Information
For professionals listed in our directory, we collect and display:
- Professional name and practice name
- Registration numbers and credentials
- Contact information
- Service areas and specialisations
- Fee range information
3. How We Use Your Information
We use collected information for the following purposes:
- To operate and maintain our directory service
- To respond to your inquiries and provide customer support
- To verify professional credentials and registrations
- To improve our website and services
- To analyze website usage and performance
- To comply with legal obligations
- To detect and prevent fraud or abuse
4. Legal Basis for Processing
We process personal information based on the following legal grounds:
- Your consent (which you can withdraw at any time)
- Performance of a contract or service
- Compliance with legal obligations
- Our legitimate interests in operating and improving our directory service
5. Information Sharing and Disclosure
We do not sell, rent, or trade your personal information. We may share information in the following circumstances:
- With service providers who assist in operating our website (hosting, analytics)
- With professional councils when verifying credentials
- When required by law or legal process
- To protect our rights, property, or safety
- With your explicit consent
6. Data Security
We implement appropriate technical and organizational measures to protect personal information against unauthorized access, alteration, disclosure, or destruction. However, no internet transmission is completely secure, and we cannot guarantee absolute security.
7. Data Retention
We retain personal information for as long as necessary to fulfill the purposes outlined in this policy, unless a longer retention period is required by law. Contact form submissions are retained for two years. Directory listings are maintained while professionals remain listed and for one year thereafter.
8. Your Rights
Under POPIA and applicable data protection laws, you have the following rights:
- Access: Request access to your personal information
- Correction: Request correction of inaccurate information
- Deletion: Request deletion of your information
- Objection: Object to processing of your information
- Restriction: Request restriction of processing
- Data portability: Request transfer of your information
- Withdraw consent: Withdraw consent for processing
To exercise these rights, contact us at info@watchlistku.com.
9. Cookies and Tracking
We use cookies and similar technologies to enhance your experience. You can control cookie preferences through our cookie consent tool and your browser settings. For detailed information, see our Cookie Policy.
10. Third-Party Links
Our website may contain links to third-party websites. We are not responsible for the privacy practices of these external sites. We encourage you to review their privacy policies.
11. Children's Privacy
Our services are not directed to individuals under 18 years of age. We do not knowingly collect personal information from children.
12. Changes to This Policy
We may update this Privacy Policy periodically. Changes will be posted on this page with an updated revision date. Continued use of our services after changes constitutes acceptance of the updated policy.
13. Contact Information
For questions about this Privacy Policy or our privacy practices, contact us:
Email: info@watchlistku.com
Phone: +27 11 994 3300
Address: 5 Century City Dr, Century City, Cape Town, 7441, South Africa
14. Information Regulator
If you believe we have not handled your personal information appropriately, you have the right to lodge a complaint with the South African Information Regulator:
Website: www.justice.gov.za/inforeg/
Email: inforeg@justice.gov.za