Privacy Policy for Yakhani Professional Services
Last Updated: 1 September 2025
1. Introduction
This Privacy Policy explains how Yakhani Professional Services (“we”, “us”, “our”, “Yakhani”) collects, uses, discloses, and otherwise processes the personal data of individuals who use our website, www.yakhani.com (the “Website”), our mobile applications (the “App”), and our related services (collectively, the “Services”). This includes Website visitors, individuals requesting professional services (“Customers”), and individuals or businesses offering professional services (“Professionals”).
This policy is designed to comply with the data protection laws of Zimbabwe, including the Data Protection Act [Note: You should insert the specific Act number once it is confirmed, as Zimbabwe’s data protection law is evolving. This placeholder shows intent to comply].
Please read this policy carefully to understand our practices regarding your personal data.
2. Data Controller
“Personal data” means any information that relates to an identified or identifiable natural person. Yakhani Professional Services is the “data controller” for the personal data we process. This means we decide how and why your data is used.
This policy does not cover how Professionals process your data once you engage their services directly. Professionals are independent data controllers for the information they collect and process.
3. What Personal Data We Collect and How We Collect It
We collect information that you provide directly to us and information about your use of our Services.
A. Information You Provide to Us:
- Account Information: When you register as a Customer or Professional, we collect your name, email address, phone number, and a password.
- Customer Requests: When you submit a request for services (“Request”), we collect the details of the service you need, your location, budget, and any other information you choose to provide.
- Professional Profiles: If you register as a Professional, we collect your business name, contact details, description of services, qualifications, work history, and areas you serve.
- Communication: We collect records of any correspondence when you contact us via email, phone, or the Website.
- Payment Information: If you make a payment through our platform (e.g., for featured listings), our payment processors will collect your card details. We do not store full card details on our servers.
B. Information Collected Automatically:
- Usage Data: We automatically collect information about how you interact with our Services (“Usage Information”). This includes your IP address, browser type, device type, operating system, pages you visit, links you click, and the times of access.
- Cookies and Similar Technologies: We use cookies and similar technologies to collect Usage Information, remember your preferences, and understand how our Website is used. You can manage your cookie preferences through your browser settings.
4. How We Use Your Personal Data
We use your personal data for the following purposes and in accordance with Zimbabwean law:
| Purpose of Processing | Legal Basis |
|---|---|
| To provide our facilitation services, connect Customers with Professionals, and manage your account. | Necessary for the performance of our contract with you. |
| To send you service-related messages (e.g., confirmation emails, alerts about new Requests). | Necessary for the performance of our contract with you and our legitimate interests. |
| To respond to your queries, comments, and complaints. | Our legitimate interest in providing good customer service. |
| To personalise your experience and improve our Website and Services. | Our legitimate interest in improving our business and services. |
| To send marketing communications (where you have consented). | Your consent (which you can withdraw at any time). |
| To prevent fraud, abuse, and security incidents. | Our legitimate interest in protecting our business and users. |
| To comply with our legal and regulatory obligations. | Necessary for compliance with a legal obligation. |
5. Who We Share Your Personal Data With
We only share your personal data in the following circumstances:
- With Professionals: To perform our core service, we share the details of a Customer’s Request (including name, contact details, and service requirements) with Professionals who may be able to fulfil it.
- Service Providers: We use trusted third-party companies to help us operate our business (e.g., cloud hosting, data analysis, payment processing, customer support, email delivery). These “processors” can only use your data as we instruct.
- Legal and Compliance: We may disclose your data if required by law, regulation, legal process, or governmental request, or to protect the rights, property, or safety of Yakhani, our users, or the public.
- Business Transfers: In the event of a merger, acquisition, or sale of all or a portion of our assets, your data may be transferred to the new owner.
We do not sell your personal data to third parties for their marketing purposes.
6. International Data Transfers
Your personal data is processed and stored on servers located within Zimbabwe. If we ever need to transfer your data outside of Zimbabwe, we will ensure that appropriate safeguards are in place as required by Zimbabwean law.
7. Data Retention
We will only retain your personal data for as long as necessary to fulfil the purposes we collected it for, including to satisfy any legal, accounting, or reporting requirements. When determining the retention period, we consider the amount, nature, and sensitivity of the data.
8. Your Data Protection Rights
Under Zimbabwean data protection law, you have rights regarding your personal data, which may include:
- The right to access: You can request a copy of the personal data we hold about you.
- The right to rectification: You can ask us to correct inaccurate or incomplete data.
- The right to erasure: You can ask us to delete your personal data.
- The right to restrict processing: You can ask us to temporarily stop processing your data.
- The right to object to processing: You can object to us processing your data based on legitimate interests.
- The right to data portability: You can request a machine-readable copy of your data to transfer to another service.
To exercise any of these rights, please contact us at info@yakhani.com. We will respond to your request in accordance with applicable law.
9. Marketing Preferences
You can choose whether you wish to receive marketing communications from us. You can unsubscribe at any time by clicking the “unsubscribe” link in any marketing email we send you or by contacting us at info@yakhani.com.
10. Children’s Privacy
Our Services are not intended for individuals under the age of 18. We do not knowingly collect personal data from children. If we learn we have collected data from a child, we will delete it promptly.
11. Third-Party Links
Our Website may contain links to third-party websites. This Privacy Policy does not apply to those sites. We encourage you to read the privacy policy of any website you visit.
12. Changes to This Privacy Policy
We may update this policy from time to time. The “Last Updated” date at the top of this page will indicate when changes were made. We encourage you to review this policy periodically to stay informed.
13. Contact Us
If you have any questions, concerns, or complaints about this Privacy Policy or our data practices, please contact us at:
Email: info@yakhani.com
Website: www.yakhani.com (via the contact form)