Bophelo Medical Stokvel – Privacy Policy

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At Bophelo Medical Stokvel, we respect your privacy and are committed to protecting your personal information. This Privacy Policy explains how we collect, use, store, and protect members’ personal information in accordance with the Protection of Personal Information Act (POPIA).

1. Information We Collect

We may collect the following personal information from members:

  • Full name and ID number

  • Contact details (address, phone, email)

  • Employment and income details (where necessary for membership verification)

  • Banking details (for contributions or reimbursements)

  • Medical documents such as GP invoices and prescription slips

2. How We Use Your Information

Your personal information will only be used for purposes related to your membership, including:

  • Processing your membership application

  • Managing your monthly contributions

  • Paying or reimbursing valid medical claims

  • Communicating with you about your membership

  • Fulfilling legal and regulatory obligations

We will never sell, rent, or share your personal information with third parties for marketing purposes.

3. Storage & Security

  • All personal information is kept secure and confidential.

  • We use appropriate technical and organizational measures to protect information against loss, theft, or unauthorized access.

  • Access to personal information is strictly limited to authorized committee members and administrators.

4. Sharing of Information

We may share your information only in the following circumstances:

  • With medical service providers (e.g., GP or pharmacy) for payment of claims.

  • With legal or regulatory authorities if required by law.

  • With trusted third-party service providers (e.g., bank or payment processor) strictly for purposes of handling contributions and payouts.

5. Your Rights

Under POPIA, you have the right to:

  • Access the personal information we hold about you.

  • Request correction of inaccurate or outdated information.

  • Request deletion of your information where legally applicable.

  • Withdraw consent for us to use your information (which may affect your membership).

6. Retention of Information

We will keep your personal information for as long as you are a member. Once your membership ends, we will securely delete or anonymize your information unless required by law to retain it.

7. Updates to This Policy

We may update this Privacy Policy from time to time. Members will be notified of significant changes via email, WhatsApp, or during general meetings.