M-Chat (Pty) Ltd ("Manna", "we", "us") is committed to protecting the privacy and personal information of our clients and their congregation members. This Privacy Policy explains how we collect, use, store, and protect personal information in compliance with the Protection of Personal Information Act, 2013 (POPIA) and other applicable data protection laws.
1. Information we collect
From church administrators (our clients)
- Name, email address, phone number
- Church name, address, and denomination
- Billing and payment information
- Account credentials
From congregation members (end users)
- Name and contact details (when voluntarily provided through chatbot interactions)
- Prayer requests and testimony content
- Event registration details
- Feedback and poll responses
- Messaging metadata (timestamps, platform, message status)
We do not collect sensitive personal information such as ID numbers, financial account details, or health information unless explicitly provided by the user in the course of a conversation.
2. How we use information
We process personal information for the following purposes:
- Providing and maintaining the Manna platform
- Delivering messages between churches and their members
- Routing prayer requests, visitor information, and other ministry data to appropriate church staff
- Sending service-related communications (billing, updates, support)
- Improving the Service through anonymised usage analytics
- Complying with legal obligations
3. Legal basis for processing
Under POPIA, we process personal information based on:
- Consent: Congregation members consent to data processing when they initiate conversations with their church's ministry assistant
- Contractual necessity: Processing required to deliver the Service to our church clients
- Legitimate interest: Improving service quality and ensuring platform security
- Legal obligation: Compliance with applicable laws and regulations
4. Data sharing
We do not sell, rent, or trade personal information. We share data only with:
- Your church: Congregation data is shared with the church that operates the ministry assistant
- Service providers: Including hosting providers, payment processors (PayFast), and messaging platforms (Meta/WhatsApp) — only as necessary to deliver the Service
- Legal authorities: When required by law, court order, or to protect safety
5. Data storage and security
Personal information is stored on secure cloud infrastructure with encryption at rest and in transit. We implement appropriate technical and organisational measures to protect against unauthorised access, loss, or damage. See our Security page for details.
6. Data retention
We retain personal information for as long as necessary to provide the Service and fulfil the purposes described in this policy. Church client data is retained for the duration of the subscription plus 30 days. Conversation data is retained in accordance with the church's preferences and applicable record-keeping requirements.
7. Your rights under POPIA
You have the right to:
- Access your personal information held by us
- Request correction of inaccurate information
- Request deletion of your personal information
- Object to the processing of your information
- Withdraw consent at any time
- Lodge a complaint with the Information Regulator
To exercise these rights, contact us at [email protected].
8. Cookies and tracking
Our website uses the Meta Pixel for advertising measurement purposes. We do not use cookies for tracking individual users across third-party websites. You can opt out of Meta tracking through your Facebook privacy settings.
9. Children's privacy
The Service is not directed at children under 18. We do not knowingly collect personal information from children. If a church uses the Service for youth ministry, the church is responsible for obtaining appropriate parental consent.
10. Changes to this policy
We may update this Privacy Policy from time to time. We will notify clients of material changes via email. The latest version will always be available on this page.
11. Information Officer
For privacy-related enquiries or to exercise your POPIA rights:
Email: [email protected]
Phone: +27 31 463 1927
Address: 7 Hilton Place, Kloof, KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa