Sirela - School Transport Safety Made Simple

Sirela ("we," "our," or "us") respects your privacy and is committed to protecting your personal information. This Privacy Policy explains how we collect, use, store, and share your information when you use the Sirela App, and your rights in relation to your personal information. This policy is designed to comply with the Protection of Personal Information Act (POPIA), 2013.

1. Information We Collect

We collect personal information that is necessary to provide our services. This includes:

Personal and contact details: Name, email address, phone number, home and school address, and payment information.
Children's information: Name, school, grade, and pickup/drop-off details.
Location data: Real-time GPS tracking of school transport vehicles.
Device and analytics data: Device type, operating system, cookies, and app usage patterns.

2. How We Use Your Information

Your information is used solely for purposes related to providing and improving our services:

To allow parents and guardians to track school transport in real time.
To notify parents about pickups and drop-offs.
To ensure the safety of children during school transport.
To process payments and manage accounts.
To analyze app usage and improve performance and security.

We do not use your information for purposes that are incompatible with these objectives without your consent.

3. Sharing and Disclosure of Information

We do not sell your personal information. Personal data may be shared in the following circumstances:

With schools and registered transport providers to deliver our services.
With law enforcement or regulatory authorities where required by law.
In emergency situations to protect the safety of children or the public.

4. Data Security

Sirela implements technical, administrative, and physical measures to protect personal information from unauthorized access, alteration, disclosure, or destruction. Only authorized personnel have access to your data. While we strive to protect your information, no online system can guarantee 100% security.

5. Retention of Information

We retain personal information only for as long as necessary to provide our services, comply with legal obligations, or resolve disputes. Analytics data and cookies are stored temporarily to improve app functionality and user experience.

6. Your Rights

Under POPIA, you have the following rights:

Access: Request a copy of the personal information we hold about you.
Correction: Request corrections to inaccurate or incomplete information.
Deletion: Request deletion of personal information that is no longer necessary.

Parents and guardians may exercise these rights on behalf of their children. Requests can be submitted via info@sirela.co.za and we will respond in accordance with POPIA timelines.

7. Cookies and Tracking Technologies

We use cookies and analytics tools to monitor app usage, improve functionality, and enhance user experience. You may manage or disable cookies through your device settings, though this may affect some features of the app.

8. Changes to This Privacy Policy

We may update this Privacy Policy periodically to reflect changes in our practices, technology, or legal requirements. The latest version will always be available on the Sirela App or website www.sirela.co.za. Your continued use of the app constitutes acceptance of any updates.

9. Contact Us

If you have questions or concerns about this Privacy Policy or your personal information, please contact us at:

Email: info@sirela.co.za
Phone: +27 60 771 1101