Privacy policy
Last updated: 20 October 2026
Kwetu Backpacker ("Kwetu", "we") respects your privacy and follows South Africa's Protection of Personal Information Act (POPIA). This page explains what we collect, why, and your rights.
What we collect
- Account details: your name, phone number and/or email, and how you sign in (phone code, Google or email).
- Bookings & orders: what you book or buy, dates, offers you make, tips, reviews you write and messages to our help desk.
- Delivery details: your delivery address and the map pin you choose.
- Location: only when you tap "Use where I am now" for a delivery. Drivers share their live location with the guest while delivering.
- Applications: if you apply to drive, supply or host an event — the details you type in the form.
- Device: a notification token so we can send order updates.
We never see or store your card details. You pay on iKhokha's secure page.
Why we use it
- To make and manage your bookings, orders, deliveries, trips and refunds.
- To contact you about your order (notifications, WhatsApp or SMS).
- To keep Kwetu safe and stop fraud.
- To answer help requests and improve our service.
We don't sell your information, and we don't send you marketing unless you ask for it.
Who we share it with
- iKhokha — to process your payment.
- Google Firebase — where the app, website and data are hosted and where sign-in happens.
- Our drivers — your first name, phone number and delivery address, only for your delivery.
- Suppliers never get guest details.
- Authorities, only if the law requires it.
Where it's stored
Your information is stored securely on Google's cloud servers, mostly in Johannesburg. Some Google services may process data outside South Africa, under data-protection terms that meet POPIA's requirements.
How long we keep it
- Bookings and payment records: 5 years (tax and accounting law).
- Delivery addresses and location: until you delete them or close your account.
- Help-desk messages: 2 years.
Your rights
You can ask us to: show you what we hold about you, correct it, delete it (except records we must keep by law), or stop using it. WhatsApp us on 067 228 3086 or ask at reception. We'll answer within 30 days.
If you're unhappy with how we handled your information, you can complain to the Information Regulator (South Africa): inforegulator.org.za.
Information Officer
The owner of Kwetu Backpacker is our Information Officer. Contact: WhatsApp 067 228 3086, or at reception.
Children
The Kwetu app is for guests aged 18 and over. Under-18s may stay only with a parent or guardian, who makes the booking.