Privacy Policy

1. Introduction

This Privacy Policy governs the collection, processing, storage, and publication of personal information by Sawted.com (“we”, “us”, “our”) in connection with this tenant defaulter platform (the “Platform”).

We are committed to complying with the Protection of Personal Information Act 4 of 2013 (POPIA) and all applicable South African law. This Policy explains your rights as a data subject and our obligations as a responsible party.

2. Who We Are

We represent property owners and landlords. This Platform was established to assist fellow landlords and parties conducting legitimate due diligence on prospective tenants by sharing factual, verifiable information about individuals who have defaulted on rental obligations.

3. What Personal Information We Collect

We may collect and publish the following categories of personal information relating to defaulting tenants:

  • Full name
  • General occupation or profession (where publicly known)
  • City or area of residence (general, not full address)
  • Nature and amount of outstanding rental debt
  • Date of default and duration of non-payment
  • Record of communication attempts and lack of response
  • Whether the debt was disputed or undisputed

Note: Certain identifying details (such as ID numbers, full addresses, and contact details) are partially obscured on the public-facing Platform. These details may be made available in verified form to qualifying parties upon request, subject to POPIA compliance.

4. Why We Collect and Publish This Information

We process personal information for the following lawful purposes under POPIA:

4.1 Legitimate Interest (Section 11(1)(f))

We have a legitimate interest in recovering outstanding rental debt and in warning other landlords of tenants who have defaulted on their obligations without dispute or resolution.

4.2 Public Interest (Section 11(1)(e))

The publication of factual defaulter information serves the broader public interest by:

  • Protecting other landlords from financial harm
  • Promoting accountability in the rental market
  • Encouraging defaulting tenants to resolve outstanding obligations
  • Supporting informed decision-making by employers and credit providers conducting due diligence

4.3 Debt Recovery

Information is published as part of a lawful debt recovery process, after formal demand notices have been issued and a reasonable opportunity to respond has been provided.

5. Our Due Process Before Listing

We do not list individuals without first following a structured process:

  • A formal final demand notice is issued in writing
  • The defaulter is given a minimum of 20 calendar days to respond or settle
  • If no response or payment is received, the defaulter is listed with TPN Credit Bureau
  • Only after TPN listing may a defaulter’s information be published on this Platform
  • At all stages, defaulters are offered the opportunity to engage and resolve the matter

6. How We Use Your Information

Personal information published on this Platform is used solely to:

  • Alert other landlords and due diligence parties to a history of rental default
  • Facilitate the recovery of outstanding debt
  • Provide a verifiable record of undisputed financial obligations

We do not sell, rent, or share personal information with third parties for marketing purposes. We do not use personal information for purposes unrelated to tenant default and debt recovery.

7. Information We Do Not Publish

In line with our POPIA obligations, we do not publish:

  • South African ID numbers
  • Full physical addresses
  • Personal email addresses or phone numbers
  • Banking or financial account details
  • Information relating to minors
  • Sensitive personal information as defined under POPIA Section 26

8. Accuracy of Information

We take reasonable steps to ensure that all published information is accurate, factual, and based on documented evidence. All listed defaults represent:

  • Obligations that were not disputed by the defaulter at any stage
  • Debts where the defaulter ceased communication despite formal written reminders
  • Matters where formal process was followed prior to listing

If you believe information published about you is inaccurate, you have the right to request correction (see Section 10 below).

9. Retention of Information

Personal information will remain published on the Platform until one of the following occurs:

  • The outstanding debt is settled in full and confirmed in writing
  • A written agreement is reached between the parties
  • We receive a valid and substantiated objection under POPIA
  • A court order requires removal

We will remove or update information within 14 business days of receiving satisfactory proof of resolution.

10. Your Rights as a Data Subject

Under POPIA, you have the right to:

  • Access – Request confirmation of whether we hold your personal information
  • Correction – Request correction of inaccurate or incomplete information
  • Deletion – Request deletion where processing is unlawful or no longer necessary
  • Objection – Object to processing on grounds relating to your specific situation
  • Complaint – Lodge a complaint with the Information Regulator of South Africa

To exercise any of these rights, contact our Information Officer by completing the contact us form. We will respond within 30 days as required by POPIA.

11. Security of Information

We implement reasonable technical and organisational measures to protect personal information against unauthorised access, loss, or destruction. Full personal details that are not publicly displayed are stored securely and accessed only for verification purposes by authorised parties.

12. Changes to This Policy

We may update this Privacy Policy from time to time to reflect changes in our practices or applicable law. The updated Policy will be published on this Platform with a revised effective date. Continued use of the Platform constitutes acceptance of the updated Policy.

13. Contact Us

For any queries, requests, or complaints relating to this Privacy Policy or our handling of personal information, please contact us: