Privacy Policy

Effective date: 12 August 2026

This Privacy Policy explains how EstateWatch™ collects and uses personal information through estatewatch.co.za and related enquiries. EstateWatch is operated by Johan C Whelan, who is the responsible party for the processing described here.

Contact address: Farm 37, Brandwacht, Mossel Bay, Western Cape, South Africa
Email: info@estatewatch.co.za
Telephone: +27 76 878 6069

1. Information we may collect

Depending on how you use the Website, we may collect:

• your name, email address, telephone number and preferred contact method;
• information you submit in an enquiry, consultation request, story or Estate Risk Analysis;
• estate-related information you voluntarily provide, which may include family, asset, liability, beneficiary or planning information;
• transaction and fulfilment information if you purchase a product or service; and
• technical information such as IP address, device/browser data, referring pages, cookies and Website activity.

Please do not submit passwords, PINs, full payment-card details, identity-document copies, complete wills, medical records or other highly sensitive documents through a public form unless we have specifically arranged a secure method with you.

2. Why we process information

We process personal information to respond to enquiries; provide requested tools, content, consultations or products; calculate and present an educational assessment from answers you submit; administer transactions and records; protect the Website and prevent misuse; improve our services; and comply with applicable legal obligations.

3. Lawful grounds

We process information where you have consented, where it is necessary to respond to or perform a request or agreement, where a legal obligation applies, or where a legitimate interest justifies the processing and does not unfairly override your rights. You may withdraw consent for future processing at any time, although prior lawful processing remains valid.

4. Who may receive information

Information may be shared only as reasonably necessary with service providers that support hosting, forms, email, analytics, security, professional consultation, order fulfilment or payment processing; with a professional you ask us to involve; when required by law or a lawful authority; or where you otherwise consent. Service providers receive only the information reasonably required for their role and remain subject to their own legal and contractual duties.

We do not sell or rent personal information. A payment provider processes payment credentials under its own privacy and security terms; EstateWatch should not receive or store your full card number or PIN.

5. Cross-border processing

Some service providers may process information outside South Africa. Where that occurs, we take reasonable steps to use providers and arrangements that offer an appropriate level of protection as required by applicable law.

6. Retention

We retain information only for as long as reasonably necessary for the purpose for which it was collected, to meet legal or accounting obligations, to resolve disputes, or to protect legitimate rights. Retention periods differ according to the type of record. Information that is no longer required is deleted, destroyed or de-identified where reasonably practicable.

7. Security

We use reasonable technical and organisational safeguards appropriate to the nature of the information. No internet transmission or storage system is completely secure. If we become aware of a personal-information compromise, we will assess it and make any notifications required by law.

8. Cookies and analytics

The Website may use essential cookies and limited analytics or performance technologies. Browser settings can block or delete cookies, although some functions may then work differently. Where consent is legally required for non-essential cookies, we will request it through the Website.

9. Your choices and rights

Subject to POPIA and other applicable law, you may ask whether we hold your personal information; request access to or correction of it; ask for deletion where appropriate; object to certain processing; withdraw consent; or complain about our handling of it. We may need to verify your identity and may retain information where the law requires or permits this.

Send privacy requests to info@estatewatch.co.za. We will respond within a reasonable period. You may also lodge a complaint with the Information Regulator (South Africa).

10. Children and information about other people

The Website is not directed at children. Do not submit a child’s personal information, or information about another person, unless you have lawful authority and it is genuinely necessary for the stated purpose.

11. Links and third-party platforms

Third-party websites and platforms have their own privacy notices. We are not responsible for their independent practices, so please review their terms before providing information.

12. Changes and contact

We may update this Policy when our services, providers or legal obligations change. The effective date above identifies the latest version.

Privacy contact and responsible party: Johan C Whelan
Farm 37, Brandwacht, Mossel Bay, Western Cape, South Africa
info@estatewatch.co.za | +27 76 878 6069

© 2026 EstateWatch™. Operated by Johan C Whelan.
Terms & Conditions | Privacy Policy | Cyber Safety Guide | Legal Disclaimer