Privacy Policy

1.Introduction

RIIS – Research Institute for Innovation and Sustainability (“RIIS”, “we”, “us”, or “our”) is committed to protecting your personal information in accordance with the Protection of Personal Information Act 4 of 2013 (POPIA) and applicable data protection laws.

This Privacy Policy explains how we collect, use, store, share, and protect personal information obtained through our Website at https://enablinginnovation.africa/ and through our business interactions.

2.Information We Collect

We may collect the following categories of personal information:

• Contact information: name, email address, telephone number, and postal address when you complete a contact form or register for communications
• Professional information: job title, organisation, and sector, where provided
• Usage data: IP address, browser type, pages visited, time spent on the Website, and referring URLs, collected automatically through cookies and analytics tools
• Communication records: records of correspondence, enquiries, and feedback submitted to us
• Newsletter and event registrations: preferences and opt-in status for communications

3.How We Use Your Information

We use personal information for the following purposes:

• To respond to your enquiries and provide requested information about our services
• To send newsletters, articles, and event communications where you have opted in
• To improve the Website, our services, and user experience based on usage analytics
• To comply with legal and regulatory obligations
• To manage and administer our business relationships and client engagements
• To prevent fraud and ensure the security of our systems

We process your information on the basis of your consent, our legitimate business interests, contractual necessity, or compliance with a legal obligation, as applicable.

4.Cookies and Analytics

Our Website uses cookies and similar tracking technologies to enhance your browsing experience and to collect usage analytics. We use Google Tag Manager (GTM-MPVBL27) to manage tags and tracking on the Website, which may include Google Analytics or other third-party analytics services.

Cookies we use include:

• Essential cookies: required for the Website to function correctly
• Analytics cookies: used to understand how visitors interact with the Website (e.g., pages viewed, session duration)
• Preference cookies: used to remember your settings and preferences

You may control cookie settings through your browser. Disabling cookies may affect the functionality of certain parts of the Website. Where required by law, we will obtain your consent before placing non-essential cookies.

5.Sharing of Personal Information

RIIS does not sell, rent, or trade your personal information to third parties. We may share your information in the following limited circumstances:

• Service providers: trusted third-party vendors who assist us in operating the Website or delivering our services (e.g., hosting providers, email platforms, analytics tools), subject to data processing agreements
• Legal obligations: where we are required to disclose information by law, court order, or regulatory authority
• Business transfers: in the event of a merger, acquisition, or sale of assets, where personal information may be transferred as part of the transaction

All third parties with whom we share data are required to maintain appropriate security measures and may only process your information in accordance with our instructions.

6.International Data Transfers

Some of our service providers may be located outside South Africa. Where personal information is transferred internationally, we take reasonable steps to ensure it is protected to a standard equivalent to that required under POPIA, including through contractual safeguards.

7.Data Retention

We retain personal information only for as long as necessary to fulfil the purposes for which it was collected, or as required by applicable law. Once information is no longer required, it is securely deleted or anonymised. Retention periods vary depending on the nature of the information and the purpose of processing.

8.Security

RIIS implements appropriate technical and organisational measures to protect personal information against unauthorised access, loss, destruction, alteration, or disclosure. These measures include secure server infrastructure, access controls, and regular security assessments.

While we take reasonable precautions, no method of electronic transmission or storage is completely secure. We cannot guarantee absolute security of information transmitted to or from the Website.

9.Your Rights Under POPIA

As a data subject, you have the following rights in respect of your personal information:

• Right to access: request a copy of personal information we hold about you
• Right to correction: request correction of inaccurate or incomplete information
• Right to deletion: request deletion of your personal information, subject to applicable legal requirements
• Right to object: object to the processing of your personal information in certain circumstances
• Right to withdraw consent: where processing is based on consent, withdraw your consent at any time
• Right to lodge a complaint: lodge a complaint with the Information Regulator of South Africa

To exercise any of these rights, please contact our Information Officer at info@riis.africa. We will respond to all requests within a reasonable timeframe, in accordance with POPIA.

10.Information Regulator

You have the right to lodge a complaint with the Information Regulator of South Africa if you believe your personal information has been processed in violation of POPIA:

11.Children’s Privacy

Our Website is not directed at children under the age of 18. We do not knowingly collect personal information from minors. If you believe a minor has provided us with personal information, please contact us immediately and we will take steps to delete such information.

12.Changes to This Privacy Policy

We may update this Privacy Policy from time to time to reflect changes in our practices, the Website, or applicable law. The updated policy will be published on this page with a revised effective date. We encourage you to review this policy periodically.

13.Contact Us

If you have any questions, concerns, or requests regarding this Privacy Policy or the way we handle your personal information, please contact our Information Officer: