Effective Date: 15 May 2025
The Reformed Theological Academy (“RTA”, “we”, “us”, or “our”) is committed to protecting the privacy of our website visitors, students, and community members. This Privacy Policy explains how we collect, use, store, and protect your personal information when you interact with our website (https://rgta.org.za/wp) and related services. We comply with the Protection of Personal Information Act (POPIA) of South Africa and other applicable data protection laws4.
1. Information We Collect
We may collect the following types of information:
- Personal Information: Name, email address, phone number, postal address, and other details you provide when registering for courses, subscribing to newsletters, or contacting us.
- Usage Data: Information about your interactions with our website, including IP address, browser type, device information, pages visited, and time spent on the site.
- Cookies and Tracking Technologies: Data collected automatically through cookies and similar technologies to enhance your browsing experience and analyze website usage3.
- Academic and Application Data: Information you provide when applying for courses or programs, including educational background, qualifications, and supporting documents.
- Payment Information: If you make payments for courses or services, we may collect payment details necessary to process transactions (handled securely through third-party payment processors).
2. How We Collect Information
We collect information in the following ways:
- Directly from You: When you fill out forms, register for courses, subscribe to newsletters, or contact us.
- Automatically: Through cookies, analytics tools, and server logs when you browse our website.
- From Third Parties: If you interact with our services via integrated third-party platforms (e.g., payment providers, analytics services)3.
3. Use of Your Information
We use your information to:
- Provide and manage our educational programs and services.
- Communicate with you regarding your inquiries, applications, and course participation.
- Send newsletters, updates, and promotional materials (with your consent).
- Improve our website, services, and user experience through data analysis.
- Comply with legal obligations and regulatory requirements5.
- Maintain the security and integrity of our systems.
4. Cookies and Tracking Technologies
Our website uses cookies and similar technologies to:
- Enhance your browsing experience.
- Remember your preferences and settings.
- Collect usage statistics to improve our services.
- Support website security and authentication.
You may manage your cookie preferences through your browser settings. Some features of the website may not function properly if cookies are disabled3.
5. Sharing and Transfer of Data
We may share your personal information with:
- Service Providers: Trusted partners who assist in operating our website, processing payments, delivering communications, or providing analytics. These providers are required to protect your data and use it only for specified purposes.
- Legal and Regulatory Authorities: When required to comply with applicable laws or respond to lawful requests.
- Academic Partners: In cases where collaboration or accreditation requires limited data sharing (with your knowledge and consent).
If your data is transferred outside South Africa, we ensure adequate protection in line with POPIA and other applicable laws43.
6. Children’s Privacy
Our website and services are not directed at children under the age of 13. We do not knowingly collect personal information from children without appropriate consent. If you believe a child has provided us with personal information without consent, please contact us to request removal of the information3.
7. Your Rights and Choices
Under POPIA and other applicable laws, you have the right to:
- Access and request a copy of your personal data.
- Correct or update your personal information.
- Withdraw consent for certain uses of your data.
- Request deletion of your personal information (subject to legal or contractual obligations).
- Object to or restrict processing of your data.
To exercise these rights, please contact us using the details below45.
8. Data Security
We implement appropriate technical and organizational measures to protect your personal information against unauthorized access, loss, misuse, or alteration. Access to your data is limited to authorized personnel and service providers who require it for legitimate business purposes.
9. Data Retention
We retain your personal information only as long as necessary to fulfill the purposes outlined in this policy, comply with legal obligations, resolve disputes, and enforce agreements.
10. Changes to This Privacy Policy
We may update this Privacy Policy periodically to reflect changes in our practices or legal requirements. We will notify you of significant changes by posting an updated policy on our website and updating the effective date.
11. Contact Us
If you have any questions about this Privacy Policy or wish to exercise your data protection rights, please contact us:
Reformed Theological Academy (RTA)
Potchefstroom, South Africa
By using our website and services, you acknowledge that you have read and understood this Privacy Policy.