Privacy Policy

National Zakat Foundation (NZF)
Last Updated: 19 March 2025

The National Zakat Foundation (NZF) is committed to protecting your privacy and ensuring that your personal information is handled in a safe and responsible manner. This Privacy Policy outlines how we collect, use, store, and protect your data in compliance with the Protection of Personal Information Act (POPIA) of South Africa and Islamic ethical principles.

By accessing or using our website, you agree to the terms of this Privacy Policy.

1. Definitions

  • “NZF,” “We,” “Us,” or “Our” refers to the National Zakat Foundation South Africa, a registered non-profit organization in South Africa.
  • “Website” refers to [Insert Website URL].
  • “User,” “You,” or “Your” refers to any individual, entity, or organisation accessing or using our website or services.
  • “Personal Information” refers to any information that identifies or relates to an individual, including but not limited to name, contact details, financial information, and any other data collected by NZF.

2. Information We Collect

NZF may collect the following types of personal information:

2.1 Information You Provide Voluntarily

  • Name, email address, phone number, and postal address when you register, donate, or contact us.
  • Financial details when making a donation or engaging with investment facilitation services.
  • Any additional information provided through application forms, surveys, or event registrations.

2.2 Information We Collect Automatically

  • Cookies & Tracking Technologies: We use cookies and similar tracking technologies to enhance user experience, track website usage, and analyze trends.
  • Log Data: When you visit our website, our servers automatically collect information such as IP addresses, browser type, referring pages, and access times.

3. How We Use Your Information

NZF collects and processes personal information for the following purposes:

  • To process donations and issue receipts.
  • To facilitate access to Shariah-compliant investment solutions through our strategic partners and alliance banking partners.
  • To communicate with donors, beneficiaries, and stakeholders.
  • To manage and improve our programs, services, and website.
  • To comply with legal, financial, and regulatory requirements.
  • To send updates, newsletters, or marketing communications (if you have opted in).

4. Sharing and Disclosure of Information

NZF does not sell, rent, or trade personal information. However, we may share your data in the following circumstances:

  • Service Providers & Strategic Partners: NZF collaborates with trusted Shariah-compliant financial institutions, banking partners, and registered investment facilitators to provide ethical financial solutions. When necessary, we may share relevant details to ensure responsible facilitation of investment access.
  • Legal Compliance: We may disclose personal data when required by law, including responding to legal requests or regulatory requirements.

5. Data Security

NZF implements industry-standard security measures to protect your personal information from unauthorised access, loss, or misuse, including:

  • Secure data storage and restricted access.
  • Encrypted payment processing for donations and financial transactions.
  • Regular system monitoring for vulnerabilities.

Despite our best efforts, no online data transmission is 100% secure. By using our services, you acknowledge and accept this risk.

6. Your Rights Under POPIA

As a user in South Africa, you have the right to:

  • Access Your Data: Request details of the personal information we hold about you.
  • Correct Your Data: Request corrections to inaccurate or outdated information.
  • Withdraw Consent: Opt out of receiving newsletters or marketing communications at any time.
  • Request Deletion: Ask us to delete your personal data where legally permitted.
  • Object to Processing: Challenge how we process your data in certain circumstances.

To exercise any of these rights, please contact us using the details below.

7. Cookies & Tracking Technologies

NZF uses cookies and similar tracking technologies to improve user experience and website functionality. You can modify your browser settings to refuse cookies, but this may affect the functionality of certain website features.

8. Retention of Information

We retain personal information for as long as necessary to:

  • Fulfill the purposes outlined in this policy.
  • Comply with legal and regulatory obligations.
  • Maintain accurate financial and donation records.

9. Third-Party Websites & Services

Our website may contain links to third-party websites for informational purposes. NZF is not responsible for the privacy policies or practices of these external sites. We encourage you to review their policies before providing any personal data.

10. Shariah-Compliant Investment Facilitation

NZF does not directly offer financing but facilitates access to Shariah-compliant investment solutions through our strategic partnerships and alliance banking partners.

We connect businesses and startups with trusted experts in:

  • Profit-sharing (Mudarabah) – Capital is provided to an entrepreneur, and profits are shared based on a predetermined ratio.
  • Partnership financing (Musharakah) – A joint venture where two or more parties contribute capital and share profits and losses.
  • Leasing (Ijara) – A rental-based structure where an asset is leased to a user while maintaining compliance with Islamic finance principles.

All investment facilitation is subject to due diligence, ethical compliance, and adherence to responsible growth principles. NZF does not guarantee returns or assume liability for financial decisions made by users.

11. Changes to This Privacy Policy

NZF may update this Privacy Policy from time to time to reflect changes in our practices or legal requirements. Updates will be posted on this page with the revised date. Continued use of our website after changes are made constitutes acceptance of the updated policy.

12. Governing Law & Jurisdiction

This Privacy Policy is governed by and interpreted under the laws of South Africa in alignment with Shariah principles.

Any disputes arising from this Privacy Policy shall be resolved in the courts of South Africa, with efforts to follow Islamic arbitration principles where applicable.

13. Contact Information

For any inquiries regarding this Privacy Policy or how we handle your personal data, please contact us at:

National Zakat Foundation (NZF)
Email: legal@nzf.org.za
Address: 147 Gordon Road, Morningside, Durban, 4001, KwaZulu Natal