Last updated: 2026-02-17
1. Definitions
In this policy, “personal information” has the meaning given in the Protection of Personal Information Act, 2013 (“POPIA”). “Data subject” refers to the person to whom the personal information relates.
2. Responsible Party
The website is operated by SiO₂ (“we”, “us”, “our”), which acts as the Responsible Party for personal information processed through this website.
3. Information Officer
For privacy requests or questions, contact our Information Officer at info@vaalsand.co.za.
4. What we collect
- Contact details you provide (name, email, phone, company).
- Enquiry details (message content, delivery location, quantities, applications, grading requirements).
- Technical information (IP address, device/browser, pages visited) for security and performance.
- Cookies and similar technologies for website functionality and analytics (if enabled).
5. How we collect it
- When you submit forms (contact / quote) or email us.
- Automatically through your browser/device (technical logs, cookies).
6. Why we process personal information
We process personal information to:
- Respond to enquiries and provide quotes.
- Communicate about orders, delivery, and support.
- Maintain website security, prevent abuse, and improve performance.
- Comply with legal obligations and protect our rights.
7. Lawful grounds
We process personal information where it is necessary to perform a contract or take steps requested by you, where required by law, where you have consented (where applicable), or for legitimate interests such as operating and securing our services.
8. Sharing and operators
We may share personal information with trusted operators (service providers) who assist with website hosting, email, analytics, and communications. Operators are required to keep information confidential and use it only for authorised purposes. We do not sell personal information.
9. Cross-border transfers
If personal information is processed outside South Africa (for example, by certain service providers), we take reasonable steps to ensure appropriate protection and safeguards consistent with POPIA.
10. Retention
We retain personal information only for as long as needed for the purposes described above, unless a longer retention period is required by law or reasonably necessary for record keeping and dispute resolution.
11. Security safeguards
We implement reasonable technical and organisational safeguards designed to protect personal information against loss, misuse, unauthorised access, or disclosure. No internet transmission is fully secure, so please take care when sending sensitive details.
12. Data subject rights (POPIA)
You may have the right to:
- Request confirmation of whether we hold personal information about you.
- Request access to your personal information.
- Request correction, updating, or deletion of your personal information (where applicable).
- Object to processing on reasonable grounds (where applicable).
- Withdraw consent where processing is based on consent.
- Lodge a complaint with the Information Regulator (South Africa).
To exercise rights, contact info@vaalsand.co.za.
13. Cookies
Cookies may be used for essential website functions and analytics (if enabled). You can manage cookies through your browser settings. Disabling cookies may affect site functionality.
14. Third-party links
Our website may include links to third-party sites. We are not responsible for their content or privacy practices. Review their policies before sharing information with them.
15. Updates
We may update this policy from time to time. Updates will be posted on this page with a revised “Last updated” date.
16. Contact
For privacy questions or POPIA requests, contact info@vaalsand.co.za.