The Protection of Personal Information (POPI) Act, No. 4 of 2013, promotes the protection of personal information by all public and private entities.

This Privacy Policy explains, in simple terms, how we collect, use, store and safeguard the information you share with us.  We want you to feel informed and comfortable every step of the way.

1. Who We Are

The Helen O’Grady Drama Academy is South Africa’s largest developmental drama programme for children and teens.  We collect and process personal information in line with the Protection of Personal Information Act (POPIA), No. 4 of 2013.

Information Officer:

Name: Vicky Stroud

Email: vicky@helenogrady.co.za

Phone: 083 652 2443

2. What Personal Information We Collect

We only collect information that helps us run our classes safely and effectively. This may include:

• Parent/guardian name and contact details.
• Student name, age and school.
• Emergency contact information.
• Billing and invoicing details.
• Attendance records.
• Media consent (photos/videos).
• Any information you voluntarily share with us.

If you use our website, we may also collect:

• Contact form details.
• Website analytics (e.g., Google Analytics).
• Pixel data (e.g., Meta Pixel).
• Cookies that help us improve your browsing experience.

3. Why We Collect This Information

We collect personal information for the following purposes:

• Communicating class details, schedules and updates.
• Sharing newsletters, notices and Academy news.
• Managing enrolments, invoicing and fee collection.
• Ensuring student safety and emergency readiness.
• Improving our website and communication tools.
• Complying with legal and administrative requirements.

We will always tell you when information is being collected and why.

4. How We Keep Your Information Safe

Your information is stored securely and only accessed by authorised Academy staff.  We use appropriate safeguards to protect your data from loss, misuse or unauthorised access.

We keep information only for as long as it is needed for Academy purposes or required by law.  When information is no longer needed, it is safely deleted.

5. Who We Share Information With

We do not sell or share your information with outside companies.

We may share limited information with trusted service providers who help us operate, such as:

• Email and newsletter platforms
• Accounting or invoicing systems
• WhatsApp or SMS communication tools

These providers are required to keep your information safe and confidential.

6. Your Rights Under POPIA

You have full control over your personal information.  You may:

• Request access to the information we hold.
• Ask us to correct or update your details.
• Ask us to delete information (where legally possible).
• Withdraw consent for photos or marketing.
• Object to certain types of processing.
• Lodge a complaint with the Information Regulator.

Information Regulator South Africa  email: complaints.IR@justice.gov.za

Website: https://www.justice.gov.za/inforeg/

7. Website Cookies & Tracking

Our website may use cookies, analytics tools and pixels to help us:

• Understand how visitors use our site
• Improve our content and communication
• Ensure our online forms work correctly

You can disable cookies in your browser at any time.

8. Media, Photos and Videos

We love celebrating our students’ achievements, but only with your permission.

We will never publish photos or videos of your child without your explicit consent.  You may withdraw this consent at any time.

9. Contact Us

If you have questions, concerns or requests about your personal information, please reach out to our Information Officer.  We are here to support you.

10. Updates to This Policy

From time to time, we may update this Privacy Policy to reflect changes in the law or our Academy processes.  The latest version will always be available on our website.