Privacy Policy

We at Vineridge House understand your right to privacy. All personal information you provide us with will be kept confidential. Personal identifying information, addresses, e-mail, phone numbers, or any other information that you provide to Vineridge House will not be given, sold, or distributed to any person, business, or entity.

1. Introduction

Vineridge House is committed to protecting the personal information of all individuals associated with the school, including students, parents, guardians, staff, and stakeholders. This policy outlines how the school collects, processes, and safeguards personal information in accordance with the Protection of Personal Information Act (POPIA), and how individuals can request access to information in line with the Promotion of Access to Information Act (PAIA).

2. Scope

This policy applies to all personal information processed by Vineridge House, including but not limited to information regarding students, parents, staff, and other stakeholders.

3. Definitions

• Personal Information: Any information relating to an identifiable, living person or existing organization.
• Data Subject: The person to whom personal information relates.
• Responsible Party: Vineridge House, which determines the purpose of processing personal information.
• Information Officer: The individual appointed to ensure compliance with POPIA and PAIA.

4. Purpose of Collecting Personal Information

Vineridge House collects and processes personal information for the following purposes:

• Managing student admissions and registrations
• Academic purposes
• Communication with parents/guardians
• Compliance with legal obligations
• Managing employment relationships with staff
• Processing school fees and financial matters

5. Legal Basis for Processing Information

Personal information is processed based on one or more of the following legal grounds:

• The consent of the data subject or guardian
• Enrollment agreement
• Compliance with legal obligations (e.g., health and safety regulations)
• Legitimate interests of the school (e.g., for safeguarding purposes)

6. Consent

Where consent is required to process personal information, the school will obtain explicit consent from the data subject or their legal guardian.

7. Protection of Personal Information

Vineridge House implements appropriate technical and organizational measures to secure personal information and prevent unauthorized access, loss, or misuse. This includes data encryption, access control, and staff training.

8. Disclosure of Personal Information

Vineridge House may disclose personal information to third parties (e.g., regulatory authorities, service providers) where it is legally required, or when such parties are necessary to fulfill the purposes of data processing (e.g., outsourcing certain services).

9. Retention of Personal Information

Personal information will be retained for as long as necessary to fulfill the purposes for which it was collected or as required by law.

10. Access to Information (PAIA Compliance)

Under PAIA, individuals have the right to access information held by Vineridge House that is necessary for the exercise or protection of their rights. To request information, individuals should:

• Submit a formal written request to Vineridge House.
• Provide sufficient details to identify the requested information.
• Pay the applicable access fee, if required.

11. Data Subject Rights

In accordance with POPIA, data subjects have the right to:

• Access their personal information
• Correct or update their personal information
• Object to the processing of their personal information
• Request the deletion or destruction of personal information that is no longer required

12. Information Officer

The Information Officer at Vineridge House is responsible for overseeing data protection compliance and handling access to information requests under PAIA. The Information Officer can be contacted at: info@vineridge.co.za