PRIVACY POLICY

Last updated: January 2026

 

1.Introduction

 

Sondela Bridge (Pty) Ltd (“Sondela Bridge”, “we”, “us”, or “our”) is committed to protecting your privacy and ensuring that your personal information is collected and processed lawfully, fairly, and transparently.

This Privacy Policy explains how we collect, use, disclose, store, and protect personal information in accordance with the Protection of Personal Information Act 4 of 2013 (POPIA) and other applicable laws of the Republic of South Africa.

For purposes of POPIA, Sondela Bridge (Pty) Ltd is the “Responsible Party” responsible for the processing of personal information described in this Policy.

By using our website or services, or by submitting an application, you acknowledge that you have read and understood this Privacy Policy

 

2.Information We Collect

 

2.1 Personal Information

When you apply for or use our services, we may collect personal information including, but not limited to:

• Full name and contact details (email address, telephone number, physical address)
• Identity number or passport number
• Banking and account details
• Employment, business, or professional information
• Transaction details relating to property sales, mortgage bonds, or commission advances

2.2 Financial Information

Where necessary to assess or process an application, we may collect:

• Bank statements and proof of income
• Sale agreements, commission agreements, or related documentation
• Credit history and financial references
• Tax-related information where required by law

2.3 Technical and Website Information

When you visit our website, we may automatically collect:

• IP address and browser type
• Device information and operating system
• Pages visited and time spent on the site
• Referring websites or links

 

3.Lawful Basis for Processing

 

We process personal information only where permitted under POPIA. Processing is carried out on one or more of the following lawful bases:

• To perform or conclude a contract with you
• To comply with legal or regulatory obligations
• To protect our legitimate business interests
• To conduct due diligence, credit assessments, and fraud prevention
• Where you have provided consent, where required

 

4.How We Use Your Information

 

We use personal information for purposes including:

• Processing and evaluating bridging finance applications
• Verifying identity and conducting due diligence
• Performing credit checks and risk assessments
• Communicating with you regarding applications and services
• Managing and servicing accounts
• Complying with legal, regulatory, and reporting obligations
• Preventing fraud and ensuring system security
• Improving our services, systems, and customer experience
• Sending service-related communications and updates

 

5.Information Sharing and Disclosure

 

We do not sell personal information.

We may share personal information only where necessary and lawful.

5.1 Service Providers (Operators)

We may share information with trusted third parties who act as operators on our behalf, including:

• Credit bureaus and verification services
• Banking and payment service providers
• Legal, accounting, and professional advisors
• IT service providers and secure data hosting platforms

All operators are required to maintain appropriate confidentiality and security measures.

5.2 Transaction Parties

Where applicable, information may be shared with parties directly involved in a transaction, including:

• Conveyancing or transfer attorneys
• Estate agencies or brokers
• Undertaking providers or financial intermediaries

5.3 Legal and Regulatory Disclosure

We may disclose personal information where required to:

• Comply with legal processes, court orders, or regulatory requests
• Enforce our contractual rights
• Protect our rights, property, or safety
• Prevent fraud or unlawful activity

5.4 Cross-Border Transfers

Some service providers may store or process personal information outside South Africa. Where this occurs, we ensure that appropriate safeguards are in place and that such transfers comply with POPIA requirements.

 

6.Data Security

 

We implement appropriate technical and organisational safeguards to protect personal information, including:

• Encryption of data in transit and at rest
• Secure servers, firewalls, and access controls
• Restricted access to authorised personnel only
• Regular system monitoring and security updates
• Confidentiality obligations imposed on staff and service providers

While we take reasonable measures to protect information, no electronic transmission or storage system is completely secure. Absolute security cannot be guaranteed.

 

7.Your Rights Under POPIA

 

You have the right to:

• Request access to personal information we hold about you
• Request correction or updating of inaccurate or incomplete information
• Object to the processing of personal information in certain circumstances
• Request deletion of personal information, subject to legal retention obligations
• Withdraw consent where processing is based on consent
• Lodge a complaint with the Information Regulator

Requests can be made using the contact details set out below.

 

8.Data Retention

 

We retain personal information only for as long as necessary to:

• Provide our services
• Comply with legal and regulatory requirements
• Resolve disputes and enforce agreements
• Maintain records required by law

Once information is no longer required, it is securely deleted or anonymised in accordance with our retention policies.

 

9.Cookies and Tracking Technologies

 

Our website uses cookies and similar technologies to:

• Remember preferences and settings
• Improve website functionality
• Analyse usage patterns and traffic

You may control cookies through your browser settings. Disabling cookies may affect certain website features.

 

10.Third-Party Links

 

Our website may contain links to third-party websites. We are not responsible for the privacy practices or content of external sites. Users are encouraged to review the privacy policies of those websites.

 

11.Children’s Privacy

 

Our services are not intended for persons under the age of 18. We do not knowingly collect personal information from children. If such information is identified, it will be deleted promptly.

 

12.Changes to This Privacy Policy

 

We may update this Privacy Policy from time to time. Updates will be posted on our website with a revised “Last updated” date. Material changes may be communicated through additional channels where appropriate.

 

13.Contact Information

 

If you have any questions about this Privacy Policy or wish to exercise your rights, please contact us:

Sondela Bridge (Pty) Ltd
Email: accounts@sondelabridge.co.za
Phone: 078 373 2542

Information Regulator (South Africa):
Website: www.inforegulator.org.za