1. What Are Cookies?

Cookies are small text files that are placed on your device (computer, tablet, or mobile phone) when you visit our website. They help us provide you with a better experience by remembering your preferences and analyzing how you use our site.

Cookies can be either "session cookies" (which are deleted when you close your browser) or "persistent cookies" (which remain on your device for a set period or until you delete them).

2. How We Use Cookies

We use cookies for the following purposes:

• Essential Cookies: Required for the website to function properly
• Performance Cookies: Help us understand how visitors interact with our website
• Functional Cookies: Remember your preferences and settings
• Analytics Cookies: Provide insights into website usage and performance
• Marketing Cookies: Used for advertising and marketing purposes

3. Types of Cookies We Use

3.1 Essential Cookies

These cookies are necessary for the website to function and cannot be disabled. They include:

• Authentication cookies to keep you logged in
• Security cookies to protect against fraud
• Session management cookies
• Load balancing cookies

3.2 Performance and Analytics Cookies

These cookies help us understand how visitors use our website:

• Google Analytics cookies to track page views and user behavior
• Performance monitoring cookies
• Error tracking cookies
• Website optimization cookies

3.3 Functional Cookies

These cookies enhance your browsing experience:

• Language preference cookies
• Theme and layout preference cookies
• Form auto-fill cookies
• Search history cookies

3.4 Marketing and Advertising Cookies

These cookies are used for marketing purposes:

• Social media integration cookies
• Advertising platform cookies
• Retargeting cookies
• Email marketing tracking cookies

4. Specific Cookies We Use

Below is a detailed list of the specific cookies used on our website:

4.1 Google Analytics Cookies

• _ga: Distinguishes unique users (2 years)
• _ga_[ID]: Stores session state (2 years)
• _gid: Distinguishes unique users (24 hours)
• _gat: Throttles request rate (1 minute)

4.2 Google Ads Cookies

• _gcl_au: Conversion tracking (3 months)
• _gcl_aw: AdWords conversion tracking (3 months)

4.3 Social Media Cookies

• Facebook: _fbp, _fbc for tracking and advertising
• WhatsApp: Session cookies for sharing functionality

4.4 Essential Cookies

• cookie_preferences: Stores your cookie consent choices
• analytics_consent: Legacy consent tracking

5. Third-Party Services

We use the following third-party services that may place cookies on your device:

• Google Analytics 4: Website analytics and performance monitoring (ID: G-KVBZL17TP6)
• Google Ads: Advertising and conversion tracking
• Facebook: Social media integration and advertising
• WhatsApp: Contact and sharing functionality
• Font Awesome: Icon fonts and styling
• Google Fonts: Web font delivery

These third-party cookies are subject to their respective privacy policies. We recommend reviewing their policies for detailed information about their cookie practices.

6. Cookie Duration

Cookies on our website have different lifespans:

• Session Cookies: Deleted when you close your browser
• Persistent Cookies: Remain on your device for a set period (usually 30 days to 2 years)
• Essential Cookies: May persist for longer periods for security purposes

7. Managing Your Cookie Preferences

You have several options for managing cookies on our website:

7.1 Cookie Consent Banner

When you first visit our website, you will see a comprehensive cookie consent banner that allows you to:

• Accept All: Allow all cookies for the best experience
• Accept Selected: Choose which cookie categories to allow
• Reject All: Decline all non-essential cookies
• Customize: Fine-tune your preferences for each cookie category

7.2 Cookie Settings Widget

You can access and modify your cookie preferences at any time using our cookie settings widget:

• Look for the cookie icon in the bottom-left corner of any page
• Click the icon to open the cookie settings panel
• Toggle individual cookie categories on or off
• Save your preferences to apply changes immediately

7.3 Browser Settings

You can also control cookies through your browser settings:

• Chrome: Settings > Privacy and security > Cookies and other site data
• Firefox: Options > Privacy & Security > Cookies and Site Data
• Safari: Preferences > Privacy > Manage Website Data
• Edge: Settings > Cookies and site permissions > Cookies and site data

7.4 Third-Party Opt-Outs

For third-party cookies, you can opt out through:

• Google Analytics: Google Analytics Opt-out
• Google Ads: Google Ad Settings
• Facebook: Facebook Ad Preferences
• Network Advertising Initiative: NAI Opt-out Tool

8. Impact of Disabling Cookies

If you choose to disable cookies, please be aware that:

• Some website features may not work properly
• You may need to re-enter information repeatedly
• Your browsing experience may be less personalized
• Some services may be unavailable

Essential cookies cannot be disabled as they are necessary for basic website functionality.

9. Data Protection and Compliance

Our cookie practices comply with applicable data protection laws, including:

• Protection of Personal Information Act (POPIA): South Africa's data protection law
• General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR): European Union data protection regulation
• California Consumer Privacy Act (CCPA): California privacy law

We implement appropriate technical and organizational measures to protect your personal data and ensure lawful processing of cookies.

10. Cookie Policy Updates

We may update this Cookies Policy from time to time to reflect changes in our practices or applicable laws. We will notify you of any material changes by:

• Posting the updated policy on our website
• Updating the "Last updated" date
• Displaying a notification banner on our website

We encourage you to review this policy periodically.

11. Your Rights

Under applicable data protection laws, you have the right to:

• Withdraw consent for non-essential cookies
• Request information about the cookies we use
• Request deletion of cookie data
• Object to the use of certain cookies

To exercise these rights, please contact us using the information provided below.

12. Contact Information

If you have any questions about our use of cookies or this Cookies Policy, please contact us:

13. Related Policies

This Cookies Policy should be read in conjunction with our:

• Privacy Policy
• Terms & Conditions