Terms & conditions

1. Introduction & Scope

These Terms & Conditions (“Terms”) govern your access to and use of the Rietbron Community Portal (the “Portal”, “we”, “our”, “us”), accessible at www.rietbron.co.za
, including:

Online rental of accommodation,
Online product sales from local suppliers,
Online donations for local community organisations, and
Online bookings for Karoo experiences.

By using our Portal or purchasing/booking through it, you agree to be bound by these Terms, our Privacy Policy, and all applicable South African legislation, including:

Consumer Protection Act 68 of 2008 (CPA)
Electronic Communications and Transactions Act 25 of 2002 (ECTA)
Protection of Personal Information Act 4 of 2013 (POPIA)

If you do not agree, please do not use this Portal.

2. Supplier Information (ECTA Disclosure)

Community platform: Rietbron Community Portal
Operator: FAQ (Pty) Ltd (on behalf of the Rietbron Community)
Place of registration: South Africa

3. Eligibility & Portal Use

You must be at least 18 years of age and legally capable of entering into binding contracts.
All users (suppliers and customers) must provide accurate information.
Rietbron reserves the right to approve or remove listings, suppliers, or users in cases of abuse, breach of these Terms, or non-payment of service fees.

4. Listings & Community Disclaimer

Products, rentals, and experiences are listed directly by suppliers/community members.
Rietbron acts as an intermediary platform and does not manufacture or directly supply goods/services.
Suppliers remain responsible for accuracy of descriptions, images, availability, and delivery/fulfilment.
Colours, images, and experiences may vary slightly from descriptions.

5. Orders, Bookings, Payments & Fees

All prices are in South African Rand (ZAR).
Payments are processed via approved secure gateways.
A 7.5% service fee applies to all online orders/bookings to cover payment gateway, maintenance, and admin costs.
Orders/bookings are only confirmed once payment is received and cleared.
If payment is not authorised, your order/booking will be cancelled.

6. Delivery & Collection

Products are shipped directly by suppliers. Options include:
- Local pickup/arrange own transport, OR
- Flat-rate courier (per supplier/product).
Risk passes to you upon delivery or pickup.
Rietbron is not liable for loss or unauthorised use after confirmed delivery.

7. Accommodation & Experience Bookings

Accommodation and experience bookings are subject to supplier-specific cancellation/refund policies (stated on each listing).
Unless otherwise stated:
Cancellation 14+ days before arrival: 50% of deposit forfeited.
Cancellation 7 days or less before arrival: 100% of deposit forfeited.

8. Returns, Exchanges & Refunds (Products)

Suppliers must honour CPA-compliant returns for defective, unsafe, or poor-quality products.
Return requests must be reported within 48 hours of delivery.
Refunds or exchanges due to stock shortages, wrong, or damaged products will be processed if reported within 48 hours.
“Change of mind” returns are not permitted.

9. Intellectual Property

All trademarks, content, and images remain the property of Rietbron or respective suppliers.
You may not copy, reproduce, or exploit content without permission.

10. Privacy & POPIA

Rietbron processes personal information in compliance with POPIA.
Information may be shared securely with suppliers, couriers, or payment providers to fulfil your order/booking.
You may request access, correction, or deletion of your data.

11. Prohibited Uses

You may not use the Portal to:
- Engage in unlawful acts.
- Upload or transmit viruses/malicious code.
- Harass, defame, or discriminate against others.
- Interfere with site security or misuse community resources.

12. Limitation of Liability

Rietbron acts as a platform only. Supplier listings are provided “as is”.
Rietbron is not liable for indirect, incidental, or consequential damages from use of the Portal.
Supplier remains directly liable for goods/services supplied.

13. Indemnity

You agree to indemnify and hold harmless the Rietbron Community Portal, its operators, and service providers from claims, damages, or expenses arising from your use of the Portal or breach of these Terms.

14. Governing Law & Disputes

These Terms are governed by the laws of the Republic of South Africa.
Any disputes not resolved directly may be referred to arbitration under the Arbitration Foundation of Southern Africa, held in English.

15. Changes to Terms

We may update these Terms by posting changes on the Portal.
Continued use after such changes constitutes acceptance.