Privacy Policy
Last updated: 7 August 2026
This policy explains what information Hoekwil collects when you use the site, how we use it, and the choices you have. We run this site for the community, so we keep data collection to the minimum needed to make the directory work.
1. What we collect
When you register or use the site, we may collect:
- Account information: your email address and the display name you choose. We do not ask for your ID number, physical address or payment details.
- Content you create: listings, events, specials, services, marketplace ads, noticeboard posts, history contributions, photos and captions.
- Technical information: basic browser and device data needed to keep you signed in and to help the site load correctly. This may include cookies or local storage tokens for authentication.
2. How we use your information
We use your information only to:
- keep your account secure and signed in;
- verify your email address when you register;
- display the listings, events and other content you choose to share;
- contact you about your account or content when necessary;
- keep the site running and fix problems.
3. Public and private information
Most of what you post on Hoekwil is public. Listings, events, specials, services, ads and noticeboard items can be seen by visitors to the site. Your email address and account details are not displayed publicly.
Photos you upload may be resized and displayed in listings, history sections, map previews and social sharing cards. Do not upload photos of people unless you have their permission.
4. Email verification
To reduce spam and false listings, we require every new account to verify its email address before posting. We use a verification link sent to the email you provide. We do not send marketing emails unless you specifically ask for them.
5. Cookies and local storage
We use a small amount of local storage and cookies to keep you signed in and remember your session. These are essential for the site to work. We do not use advertising or tracking cookies.
6. Sharing with third parties
We do not sell your personal information. We only share it with the services that make the site run, such as our hosting and database providers, and only as much as they need to provide those services. Map data is provided by Google Maps, which has its own privacy policy.
7. Your choices
You can update your profile name or delete your account from your dashboard. If you delete your account, your personal email address is removed, but public content you posted may remain unless you delete it first or ask an admin to remove it.
To request a copy of your data, correct inaccurate information, or ask us to delete your data, email hello@hoekwil.co.za.
8. Keeping information safe
We use standard security measures such as encrypted connections and secure authentication. No system is perfect, so please use a strong password and do not share your login details.
9. Changes to this policy
We may update this privacy policy if the site changes. When we do, we will update the date at the top of the page. If you keep using the site after the change, you accept the updated policy.
10. Contact us
If you have any questions about this privacy policy or how your data is handled, please contact us at hello@hoekwil.co.za.