Privacy policy
An overview of data protection
1. Introduction
Vera Nova (Pty) Ltd ("Vera Nova", "we", "us", or "our") is committed to protecting the privacy, accuracy, and security of personal information collected through our website and service platforms.
This Privacy Policy explains how we collect, use, store, disclose, and protect personal information in accordance with South Africa’s Protection of Personal Information Act, No. 4 of 2013 (POPIA). By visiting our website, submitting an inquiry, enrolling in our training programs, or submitting candidate/corporate profile information, you accept the practices outlined in this policy.
2. Information We Collect
We collect personal information directly from candidates, students, corporate clients, and website visitors.
A. Candidates & Job Seekers:
- Identity & Contact Data: Full names, ID/passport numbers, email addresses, phone numbers, and physical addresses.
- Professional & Academic Data: Curricula Vitae (CVs), academic transcripts, qualification certificates, employment history, references, and training assessment evaluations.
- Communications: Records of inquiries, interview notes, and workshop feedback.
B. Corporate Clients & Hiring Partners:
- Business contact information (names, job titles, business emails, phone numbers).
- Company details, recruitment criteria, service agreements, and communication history.
C. Website Technical Data:
- IP addresses, browser types, device information, and website interaction analytics (via cookies).
3. Purpose of Processing Personal Information
We process your personal information strictly for legitimate business purposes, including:
- Delivering candidate training, work-readiness prep, and mentorship programs.
- Assessing candidate qualifications, behavioral readiness, and fit for client placements.
- Introducing pre-vetted candidates to potential employers and auditing firms.
- Communicating with clients and candidates regarding updates, services, and inquiries.
- Complying with statutory, legal, and statutory recruitment obligations under South African law.
4. Legal Basis for Processing
In accordance with POPIA, we process information based on:
- Consent: When candidates opt-in or submit their CVs/applications for training or placement.
- Contractual Necessity: To perform our service obligations under student enrollments or corporate SLAs.
- Legal Obligation: To comply with South African labor and tax reporting laws.
- Legitimate Interest: To connect work-ready candidates with prospective employers.
5. Disclosure of Information
We value confidentiality and never sell personal data to third parties. We share personal information only under the following conditions:
- Hiring Partners & Audit Firms: Candidate profiles and training performance summaries are shared with potential employers only with the candidate’s prior consent.
- Service Providers: Trusted third-party processors who assist us with web hosting, database management, communication tools, or background verification checks (under strict data protection agreements).
- Legal Requirements: When mandated by law, court orders, or statutory authorities.
6. Data Security & Storage
We employ administrative, technical, and physical safeguards to prevent unauthorized access, loss, misuse, or alteration of personal data:
- Secure cloud storage environments with restricted access protocols.
- Encrypted web communications (SSL certificates).
- Strict internal data management policies regarding candidate records.
7. Retention of Personal Information
We retain personal information only for as long as necessary to fulfill the purposes for which it was collected, or as required by South African law:
- Candidate profiles in our talent pipeline are retained for active placement considerations or until consent is withdrawn.
- Inactive or requested deletion records are securely destroyed or anonymized in accordance with POPIA standards.
8. Your Data Protection Rights
Under POPIA, candidates and clients have the right to:
- Access: Request details of personal information we hold about you.
- Correction: Request correction or updating of incomplete or inaccurate data.
- Deletion/Objection: Request the deletion or restriction of processing of your personal data.
- Withdraw Consent: Withdraw consent for data processing at any time without affecting prior lawful processing.
To exercise any of these rights, please contact our Information Officer at info@veranova.co.za.
9. Cookies
Our website uses standard cookies to optimize your browsing experience and analyze site traffic. You can adjust your web browser settings to refuse or manage cookies at any time.
10. Contact Details & Information Regulator
If you have questions, concerns, or complaints regarding this Privacy Policy or our POPIA compliance, please contact us:
Vera Nova Information Officer
Email: info@veranova.co.za
Website: www.veranova.co.za
If you are unsatisfied with our response, you have the right to lodge a complaint with the South African Information Regulator:
