POPI & PAIA Manual

Prepared in accordance with:

  • The Protection of Personal Information Act, 4 of 2013 (“POPIA”)
  • The Promotion of Access to Information Act, 2 of 2000 (“PAIA”)

Company Name: Smart Messaging
Website: Smart Messaging
Effective Date: May 2026


1. Introduction

Smart Messaging respects the privacy and confidentiality of personal information and is committed to complying with the Protection of Personal Information Act (“POPIA”) and the Promotion of Access to Information Act (“PAIA”) in South Africa.

This manual explains:

  • How personal information is collected, used, and protected
  • How individuals may request access to records
  • The rights of data subjects
  • Our information processing practices

2. Company Information

Business Details

Company Name: Smart Messaging
Website: Smart Messaging Website
Business Type: Messaging & Communication Services Provider


3. Purpose of this Manual

The purpose of this manual is to:

  • Promote transparency
  • Inform users about their rights under PAIA and POPIA
  • Describe the records held by Smart Messaging
  • Explain how requests for access to information may be made
  • Outline how personal information is processed and protected

4. Information Officer

The Information Officer is responsible for ensuring compliance with POPIA and PAIA.

Information Officer Contact Details

Information Officer: Management Team
Website: Smart Messaging Contact Page


5. Applicable Legislation

Smart Messaging complies with applicable South African legislation, including but not limited to:

  • Protection of Personal Information Act (POPIA)
  • Promotion of Access to Information Act (PAIA)
  • Electronic Communications and Transactions Act
  • Consumer Protection Act
  • Companies Act
  • Cybercrime Act

6. Categories of Personal Information Collected

Smart Messaging may collect and process the following information:

Customer Information

  • Full names
  • Company names
  • Phone numbers
  • Email addresses
  • Billing information
  • Communication preferences

Technical Information

  • IP addresses
  • Browser information
  • Device information
  • Website usage analytics

Communication Data

  • SMS campaign details
  • Email campaign information
  • Message logs
  • Delivery reports

7. Purpose for Processing Personal Information

Personal information may be processed for:

  • Providing messaging services
  • Customer support
  • Billing and invoicing
  • Account management
  • Marketing communications
  • Legal and regulatory compliance
  • System monitoring and security
  • Improving our services

8. Sharing of Information

Smart Messaging may share information with:

  • Telecommunications providers
  • Payment processors
  • Hosting providers
  • Technology partners
  • Regulatory authorities where legally required

We do not sell personal information to third parties.


9. Data Security Measures

Smart Messaging implements reasonable technical and organizational measures to protect personal information, including:

  • Secure hosting environments
  • Password protection
  • Firewall and malware protection
  • Access controls
  • Encrypted communications where applicable
  • Regular software updates

10. Data Subject Rights

Under POPIA, individuals have the right to:

  • Access personal information
  • Request correction of inaccurate information
  • Request deletion of information where applicable
  • Object to processing
  • Withdraw consent
  • Lodge complaints with the Information Regulator

11. PAIA – Access to Records

Individuals may request access to records held by Smart Messaging in accordance with PAIA.

Records Available

Administrative Records

  • Company registration records
  • Policies and procedures
  • Compliance documentation

Financial Records

  • Invoices
  • Billing records
  • Payment records

Customer Records

  • Account information
  • Communication logs
  • Service agreements

Website & Technical Records

  • Website analytics
  • Security logs
  • System records

12. Request Procedure

Requests for access to records must:

  1. Be submitted in writing
  2. Clearly identify the requested information
  3. Provide sufficient contact details
  4. Specify the format required where applicable

Smart Messaging may require proof of identity before processing requests.


13. Grounds for Refusal

Access to records may be refused where permitted by law, including:

  • Protection of personal privacy
  • Commercial confidentiality
  • Security concerns
  • Legal privilege
  • Protection of third-party information

14. Cookies & Website Tracking

Our website may use cookies and similar technologies to:

  • Improve user experience
  • Monitor website performance
  • Analyze traffic and usage
  • Remember user preferences

Users may disable cookies through browser settings.


15. Retention of Information

Personal information is retained only for as long as necessary to:

  • Fulfill service obligations
  • Meet legal requirements
  • Resolve disputes
  • Maintain business records

16. Complaints

Complaints relating to POPIA or PAIA may be directed to the Information Regulator of South Africa.

Information Regulator South Africa

Website: Information Regulator South Africa


17. Updates to this Manual

Smart Messaging reserves the right to amend this manual from time to time.

Updated versions will be published on the website.


18. Contact Us

For any POPIA or PAIA related requests or queries:

Smart Messaging
Website: Smart Messaging Official Website