Privacy Policy

1. Introduction

Vula24 ("we,", "us,", or "our") operates the Vula24 mobile applications and the website www.vula24.co.za. This Privacy Policy explains how we collect, use, store, and protect personal information when you use our Service. We are committed to complying with the Protection of Personal Information Act, 2013 (POPIA) of South Africa.

Contact details:

Email: support@vula24.co.za

WhatsApp: 066 123 5067

Website: www.vula24.co.za

2. Information We Collect

From customers:

• Full name, mobile phone number, email address, password (encrypted)
• Location data for finding nearby locksmiths
• Booking details: service type, date, time, notes, optional photos
• Payment information processed by Paystack — we do not store card details
• Device information and push notification token

From locksmiths (Vula24 Pro):

• Identity: SA ID number, ID photo, selfie, proof of address
• Business info: name, services, pricing
• Vehicle details: type, colour, registration
• Banking details for payouts only
• Real-time location while online
• Job records and ratings

3. How We Use Your Information

We use the information we collect to:

• Provide the Vula24 service (matching customers with locksmiths)
• Process bookings, payments, and payouts
• Verify locksmith identity
• Send service notifications
• Handle support requests and disputes
• Improve the Service
• Detect and prevent fraud
• Comply with legal obligations

4. Information Sharing

We may share your information with:

• Between customers and locksmiths when a booking is made
• Paystack for payment processing
• Railway (hosting), Cloudinary (images), Google Firebase (push notifications)
• Law enforcement when required by law

We do not sell your personal information to third parties.

5. Data Security

All data transmission is encrypted using TLS/HTTPS. Passwords are hashed using bcrypt. We implement rate limiting, access controls, and audit logging of all sensitive operations.

6. Your Rights Under POPIA

Under POPIA, you have the right to:

• Access your personal information we hold
• Request correction of inaccurate information
• Request deletion of your personal information
• Object to the processing of your personal information
• Lodge a complaint with the Information Regulator (enquiries@inforegulator.org.za)

7. Data Retention

• Active accounts: as long as account is active
• Financial records: at least 5 years (SARS requirements)
• Job and dispute records: at least 3 years after completion

8. Contact Us

If you have any questions about this Privacy Policy or our data practices, please contact us at:

Email: support@vula24.co.za

WhatsApp: 066 123 5067

9. Location Data

The customer app requests location to find nearby locksmiths. The Pro app uses location so customers can track the locksmith during an active job. Locksmiths can go offline to stop location sharing at any time.

10. Children's Privacy

Vula24 is not intended for use by anyone under 18 years of age. We do not knowingly collect information from children.

11. Changes to This Policy

We may update this Privacy Policy from time to time. We will notify you of any changes by posting the new Privacy Policy on this page and updating the "Last updated" date.