Direct Marketing Policy
(In terms of the Protection of Personal Information Act, 4 of 2013)
1. Purpose
This Policy regulates direct marketing activities conducted by Emergence Growth South Africa (“the Company”) in compliance with Section 69 of POPIA.
2. Scope
This Policy applies to all electronic direct marketing communications sent to customers, prospects, suppliers and business contacts.
3. Definition
Direct Marketing means any communication sent directly to a Data Subject to promote products, services, events or brand awareness.
4. Lawful Basis for Direct Marketing
The Company will only conduct electronic direct marketing where:
- The Data Subject has provided prior consent (opt-in); or
- The Data Subject is an existing customer and marketing relates to similar products/services, with an option to opt-out
5. Consent (Opt-In)
Consent must be:
- Voluntary
- Specific
- Informed
The Company will obtain consent through:
- Website sign-ups
- Event registrations
- Direct engagement (e.g. business cards, email requests)
The Company does not use third-party marketing lists unless valid consent can be demonstrated.
2. Scope
This Policy applies to all employees, contractors, and third parties who access or process information in any format (electronic or physical).
3. Data Classification Levels
All information must be classified into one of the following categories:
- Restricted (High Risk)
Sensitive information requiring strict protection.
Examples: ID numbers, financial data, passwords, health information. - Confidential (Medium Risk)
Internal business and operational information.
Examples: contracts, employee records, supplier agreements. - Public (Low Risk)
Information approved for public disclosure.
Examples: marketing materials, website content.
4. Responsibilities
Information Officer:
- Oversee implementation of this Policy
- Ensure compliance with POPIA
Data Owners:
- Classify information appropriately
- Review classifications regularly
Data Custodians (IT):
- Implement technical controls
- Ensure secure storage and backups
Users:
- Handle data according to its classification
- Report any misuse or breaches
5. Classification Process
Information must be classified based on:
- Sensitivity of the data
- Risk of unauthorised disclosure
- Legal and regulatory requirements
Where uncertainty exists, the higher classification level must be applied.
6. Handling Requirements
Restricted:
- Encryption required
- Strict access control
- Secure transmission
Confidential:
- Access limited to authorised users
- Protected storage
Public:
- No special restrictions
6. Opt-Out
All marketing communications will include a clear and easy opt-out mechanism.
Data Subjects may opt-out at any time by:
- Clicking the unsubscribe link in communications; or
- Emailing: [email protected]
Opt-out requests will be actioned promptly.
7. Types Of Communication
The Company may send:
- Event invitations
- Industry insights and updates
- Product and service information
- Company news
8. Data Accuracy
The Company will periodically review contact details and preferences to ensure information is accurate and up to date.
9. Data Protection
All Personal Information used for marketing will be processed in accordance with the Company’s
Privacy Notice and Data Protection Policy.
10. Prohibited Practices
The Company will not:
- Send unsolicited marketing without lawful basis
- Share Personal Information for marketing without consent
- Ignore opt-out requests
11. Responsibilities
Information Officer:
- Oversees compliance with POPIA
Employees:
- Must ensure marketing is conducted lawfully
- Must respect opt-out requests
Updates to this Policy
The Company reserves the right to amend this Policy at any time to ensure ongoing compliance with applicable legislation and best practices.
Updated March 2026
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