Privacy Policy
How NextStep SA collects, uses, stores, and protects your personal information. This policy aligns with the Protection of Personal Information Act (POPIA).
Last updated: May 2026
NextStep SA ("we", "our", or "us") is committed to protecting your privacy when you use our platform.
1. Introduction
This Privacy Policy explains how we collect, use, disclose, and safeguard your information when you use NextStep SA. It is designed to comply with the Protection of Personal Information Act (POPIA) of South Africa.
2. Information we collect
2.1 Personal information
We collect information you provide directly, including:
- Full name, email address, and phone number
- Location and address information
- Employment history and professional qualifications
- Skills, certifications, and education details
- CV or resume documents
- Company information (for employers)
2.2 Automatically collected information
When you access the platform, we may automatically collect:
- IP address and browser type
- Device information and operating system
- Usage data and interactions with the platform
- Cookies and similar technologies
3. How we use your information
We use the information we collect to:
- Provide, maintain, and improve our services
- Match job seekers with potential employers
- Process registrations and manage user accounts
- Send important notifications and updates
- Respond to inquiries and provide support
- Analyze usage to improve the experience
- Prevent fraud and maintain security
- Comply with legal obligations
4. Information sharing and disclosure
4.1 With employers
Job seeker profiles and CVs may be visible to registered employers with active subscriptions, according to your profile settings.
4.2 Service providers
We may share information with providers who assist us with hosting, analytics, payments, and support, bound by confidentiality and data-processing obligations.
4.3 Legal requirements
We may disclose information where required by law or in response to valid requests by competent authorities.
5. Data security
We apply appropriate technical and organizational measures to protect personal information. No transmission over the internet is completely secure; we encourage you to use strong passwords and protect your credentials.
6. Your rights under POPIA
Subject to POPIA, you may have the right to:
- Access your personal information
- Correct or update inaccurate information
- Request deletion where applicable
- Object to certain processing
- Withdraw consent where processing is consent-based
- Lodge a complaint with the Information Regulator
7. Data retention
We retain personal information for as long as needed for the purposes in this policy and as required by law. When you delete your account, we aim to remove or anonymize personal data within a reasonable period, except where we must retain it for legal or legitimate business reasons.
8. Cookies
We use cookies and similar technologies to operate the platform, remember preferences, and understand usage. You can control cookies through your browser; disabling them may limit some features.
9. Children's privacy
The platform is not intended for anyone under 18. We do not knowingly collect personal information from children. If you believe a child has provided data, contact us so we can take appropriate steps.
10. Changes to this policy
We may update this Privacy Policy from time to time. Material changes will be communicated by posting updates on this page and revising the "Last updated" date. Please review this page periodically.
11. Contact us
For privacy questions or to exercise your rights, contact us:
Phone
+27 12 345 6789Address
123 Business Street
Johannesburg, 2000, South Africa