Terms of Service

2. Description of Service

032.co.za is a community platform providing:

• • Local news aggregation and AI-curated content
• • Property listings and real estate information
• • Community events calendar
• • Local business directory and reviews
• • Community forums and discussions
• • Marketplace for buying/selling items
• • AI-powered services (Ask Ballito AI, Smart Search, Voice Assistant)
• • Weather updates and load shedding notifications

The Platform is designed for communities in the 032 area code (Ballito, Dolphin Coast, KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa).

3. User Accounts

3.1 Registration

• • You must be at least 13 years old to create an account
• • You must provide accurate, current information
• • You are responsible for maintaining account security
• • One account per person (no duplicate accounts)
• • You may not impersonate others or use false identities

3.2 Account Termination

We reserve the right to suspend or terminate accounts that violate these terms, without notice or liability. You may delete your account at any time through account settings.

4. User Content & Conduct

4.1 Your Responsibilities

You are solely responsible for content you post, including:

• • Forum posts and comments
• • Business reviews and ratings
• • Property listings
• • Marketplace items
• • News submissions
• • Profile information

4.2 Prohibited Content

You may NOT post content that:

4.3 Content Moderation

We use AI-powered moderation and manual review to enforce these rules. Violating content will be removed without notice. Repeat violations may result in account suspension or permanent ban.

5. Intellectual Property

5.1 Platform Content

The Platform's design, code, branding, logos, and original content are owned by 032.co.za and protected by copyright, trademark, and other intellectual property laws. You may not copy, reproduce, or distribute Platform content without permission.

5.2 User Content License

By posting content on the Platform, you grant 032.co.za a non-exclusive, worldwide, royalty-free license to use, display, reproduce, and distribute your content for the purpose of operating and promoting the Platform. You retain ownership of your content.

5.3 Third-Party Content

News articles, property listings, and other content sourced from third parties remain the property of their respective owners. We provide links and attribution where applicable.

6. AI Services Terms

6.1 Ask Ballito AI

• • AI responses are generated automatically and may contain errors
• • Do not rely solely on AI advice for important decisions
• • Chat history may be used to improve AI accuracy (anonymized)
• • We do not guarantee accuracy, completeness, or reliability of AI responses

6.2 Smart Search & Voice

• • Search results are AI-ranked and may not be exhaustive
• • Voice commands are processed by third-party AI (OpenAI)
• • Audio is not stored after transcription

7. Business Listings & Reviews

7.1 Business Owners

• • You may claim and manage your business listing for free
• • Information must be accurate and up-to-date
• • You may not post fake reviews or manipulate ratings

7.2 Reviews & Ratings

• • Reviews must be based on genuine experiences
• • Reviews must be honest, fair, and not defamatory
• • We may remove reviews that violate these terms
• • Business owners may respond to reviews but may not threaten reviewers

8. Marketplace Terms

• • 032.co.za is a listing platform only - we do not facilitate transactions
• • You are responsible for verifying buyers/sellers and completing transactions safely
• • We are not liable for fraud, disputes, or transaction issues
• • Do not list illegal items or items that violate these terms
• • Meet in public places for safety

9. Disclaimers & Limitations of Liability

9.1 "As Is" Service

The Platform is provided "AS IS" and "AS AVAILABLE" without warranties of any kind, express or implied. We do not guarantee:

• • Uninterrupted or error-free operation
• • Accuracy or reliability of content
• • Fitness for any particular purpose
• • Security from hacking or data breaches

9.2 Limitation of Liability

9.3 Third-Party Links

The Platform contains links to third-party websites. We are not responsible for the content, privacy policies, or practices of external sites.

10. Indemnification

You agree to indemnify and hold harmless 032.co.za from any claims, damages, losses, liabilities, and expenses (including legal fees) arising from:

• • Your use of the Platform
• • Your violation of these Terms
• • Content you post
• • Your violation of any third-party rights

11. Dispute Resolution

11.1 Governing Law

These Terms are governed by the laws of the Republic of South Africa. Any disputes shall be resolved in the courts of KwaZulu-Natal.

11.2 Informal Resolution

Before filing any legal claim, you agree to contact us at legal@032.co.za to attempt informal resolution.

12. Privacy

Your use of the Platform is subject to our Privacy Policy, which explains how we collect, use, and protect your personal information in compliance with POPIA (Protection of Personal Information Act).

13. Changes to Terms

We may update these Terms of Service at any time. We will notify users of material changes via email or prominent notice on the Platform. Continued use after changes constitutes acceptance of the updated Terms.

Previous versions: View archive

14. Severability

If any provision of these Terms is found to be invalid or unenforceable, the remaining provisions shall remain in full force and effect.

15. Entire Agreement

These Terms, together with the Privacy Policy, constitute the entire agreement between you and 032.co.za regarding use of the Platform, superseding any prior agreements.

16. Contact Information