This policy explains how BusinessNeeds (Pty) Ltd(“BusinessNeeds”, “we”, “us”) collects, uses and protects your personal information when you use our company status-check service and dashboard. We process personal information in line with the Protection of Personal Information Act, 2013 (POPIA).
Who we are
BusinessNeeds is an independent, privately-owned business consultancy operating since 2007. We are not affiliated with, endorsed by, or acting on behalf of CIPC, SARS or the DTIC. Our Information Officer can be reached at [info@businessneedsonline.co.za] or on WhatsApp at +27 68 605 3072.
What we collect
- Identity — your name and South African ID number.
- Contact — your email address and WhatsApp/mobile number.
- Company data — the companies linked to your ID and their standing on the companies register, returned when you run a check.
- Payment — processed by our payment provider; we receive a payment reference and status, not your full card details.
- Usage — basic technical logs (e.g. sign-in codes, timestamps) needed to run and secure the service.
Why we collect it, and our lawful basis
We use your ID number to look up every company registered in your name and report its current standing — this is the service you ask us to perform, with your explicit consent given at sign-up. We use your contact details to deliver your results, send sign-in codes, and contact you about anything that needs attention. We process payment information to fulfil your order (contractual necessity), and retain records as required by law.
The company check, explained
To check standing we send your ID number to a licensed data provider (a registered South African credit bureau) which returns the companies you direct and their register status. That provider may return additional personal information about you; we surface only company information to you and do not display or retain unrelated personal data such as property or credit records.
Who we share it with
We do not sell your personal information. We share it only with operators that help us run the service, under contract and only as needed:
- Our licensed data provider — to perform the company-register lookup.
- Our payment provider — to take payment securely.
- Our email provider — to send you sign-in codes and service emails.
- Our specialists — the BusinessNeeds team who action any filing you ask us to do.
We may also disclose information if required by law or to protect our legal rights.
How long we keep it
We keep your account and check results for as long as you have an account with us, and thereafter only as long as needed for legal, accounting or dispute-resolution purposes. You may ask us to delete your account at any time (see your rights below).
How we protect it
Access to the dashboard is protected by a one-time code sent to your email — we do not store passwords. Data is transmitted over encrypted connections and held with reputable hosting and service providers.
Your rights under POPIA
You have the right to:
- ask what personal information we hold about you, and get a copy;
- ask us to correct or delete your information;
- object to processing, or withdraw your consent (this may mean we can no longer provide the service);
- lodge a complaint with the Information Regulator.
To exercise any of these, contact our Information Officer above. You can also contact the Information Regulator (South Africa) at enquiries@inforegulator.org.za or inforegulator.org.za.
Cookies
We use a single, essential session cookie to keep you signed in. We do not use advertising or tracking cookies on the dashboard.
Changes
We may update this policy from time to time. The “last updated” date above reflects the current version.