Cookies Policy

1. What Are Cookies?

Cookies are small text files that are placed on your computer or mobile device when you visit a website. They are widely used to make websites work more efficiently and provide information to website owners.

How Cookies Work

• Cookies are created when your browser loads a website
• The website sends information to your browser, which creates a text file
• Every time you visit the same website, your browser sends the cookie back to the server
• This allows the website to "remember" your actions and preferences over time

2. Types of Cookies We Use

2.1 Essential Cookies

Purpose: These cookies are necessary for the website to function properly.

What they do:

• Enable basic website functionality
• Allow you to navigate the site and use its features
• Remember your cookie consent preferences
• Maintain security and prevent fraud

Duration: Session cookies (deleted when you close your browser) and persistent cookies (stored for up to 1 year)

Can you disable them? No - these cookies are essential for the website to work. Disabling them will prevent you from using the website.

2.2 Analytics Cookies

Purpose: These cookies help us understand how visitors use our website so we can improve it.

What they do:

• Track pages visited and time spent on pages
• Identify which content is most popular
• Measure website traffic and user behavior
• Help us understand which devices and browsers people use
• Detect errors and improve website performance

Duration: Up to 26 months

Can you disable them? Yes - these cookies are not essential. You can opt out through cookie settings.

Third-party services: We may use Google Analytics or similar services. These services collect information anonymously.

2.3 Functionality Cookies

Purpose: These cookies enable enhanced functionality and personalization.

What they do:

• Remember your preferences (language, region)
• Provide enhanced, personalized features
• Remember information you've entered in forms
• Improve your browsing experience

Duration: Up to 12 months

Can you disable them? Yes - you can disable these cookies, but it may affect website functionality and your experience.

2.4 Performance Cookies

Purpose: These cookies help us improve website performance and user experience.

What they do:

• Measure website loading times
• Test different versions of pages
• Optimize content delivery
• Identify and fix technical issues

Duration: Up to 12 months

Can you disable them? Yes - these are non-essential cookies.

3. First-Party vs. Third-Party Cookies

3.1 First-Party Cookies

These are cookies set directly by our website (SASSA Services Guide). They are used to:

• Remember your preferences and settings
• Improve website functionality
• Analyze how you use our website

3.2 Third-Party Cookies

These are cookies set by external services we use, such as:

• Google Analytics: For website analytics and traffic measurement
• Social Media Plugins: If you share content on social media
• Content Delivery Networks (CDN): For faster page loading

Third-party cookies are governed by the privacy policies of those third parties. We recommend reviewing their policies:

• Google Privacy Policy
• Google Cookies Information

4. Session vs. Persistent Cookies

4.1 Session Cookies

Duration: Temporary - deleted when you close your browser

Purpose: Enable you to navigate the website efficiently and use its features during your visit

Example uses:

• Maintaining your navigation state
• Remembering items in forms as you move between pages
• Security functions during your session

4.2 Persistent Cookies

Duration: Remain on your device for a set period (from days to years)

Purpose: Remember your preferences between visits

Example uses:

• Remembering your cookie consent choices
• Keeping you logged in between visits (if applicable)
• Remembering your preferences and settings
• Analytics and performance tracking

5. Specific Cookies We Use

Cookie Name	Purpose	Type	Duration
cookie_consent	Stores your cookie consent preferences	Essential	1 year
session_id	Maintains your session while browsing	Essential	Session
_ga	Google Analytics - distinguishes users	Analytics	2 years
_gid	Google Analytics - distinguishes users	Analytics	24 hours
_gat	Google Analytics - throttles request rate	Analytics	1 minute
user_preferences	Stores your site preferences	Functionality	6 months

Note: This list may be updated as we add or remove services. Check back regularly for updates.

6. How to Manage Cookies

6.1 Browser Settings

Most web browsers allow you to control cookies through their settings. You can:

• View what cookies are stored on your device
• Delete some or all cookies
• Block cookies from specific websites
• Block all third-party cookies
• Block all cookies completely
• Get notifications when websites set cookies

6.2 Browser-Specific Instructions

Here's how to manage cookies in popular browsers:

• Google Chrome: Settings → Privacy and security → Cookies and other site data
• Mozilla Firefox: Options → Privacy & Security → Cookies and Site Data
• Safari: Preferences → Privacy → Cookies and website data
• Microsoft Edge: Settings → Privacy, search, and services → Cookies and site permissions
• Opera: Settings → Privacy & security → Cookies and site data

For detailed instructions, visit your browser's help section or these resources:

• Chrome Cookie Settings
• Firefox Cookie Settings
• Safari Cookie Settings
• Edge Cookie Settings

6.3 Mobile Device Settings

On mobile devices, you can manage cookies through your browser app settings:

• iOS (iPhone/iPad): Settings → Safari → Privacy & Security
• Android: Browser app → Settings → Privacy/Site settings

6.4 Opt-Out Tools

You can opt out of specific tracking services:

• Google Analytics: Google Analytics Opt-out Browser Add-on
• Industry Opt-Out: Your Online Choices

7. What Happens When You Disable Cookies?

7.1 Impact on Website Functionality

If you disable cookies:

• Essential cookies disabled: The website may not function properly or at all
• Analytics cookies disabled: No impact on functionality, but we can't improve the site based on usage data
• Functionality cookies disabled: You may lose personalized features and preferences
• All cookies disabled: Significant features may not work, and you'll have a basic browsing experience

7.2 Features That May Not Work

• Remembering your preferences between visits
• Personalized content and recommendations
• Smooth navigation between pages
• Form data retention as you navigate
• Login functionality (if applicable)

8. Do Not Track (DNT)

Some browsers include a "Do Not Track" (DNT) setting that signals to websites that you don't want to be tracked.

Our approach: We respect your privacy choices. However, there is no universal standard for how websites should respond to DNT signals. We encourage you to use the cookie management options described in this policy to control tracking.

10. Children's Privacy and Cookies

Our website is not directed to children under 18, and we do not knowingly use cookies to collect information from children. If you are a parent or guardian and believe your child has provided information through our website, please contact us.

11. Changes to This Cookies Policy

We may update this Cookies Policy from time to time to reflect:

• Changes in cookie technology
• New features or services we add
• Changes in legal requirements
• Changes in how we use cookies

When we make significant changes, we will:

• Update the "Last Updated" date at the top of this policy
• Display a notice on our website
• Request your consent again if required by law

We encourage you to review this policy periodically.

12. More Information About Cookies

If you want to learn more about cookies in general, these resources are helpful:

• All About Cookies - Comprehensive information about cookies
• ICO Cookies Guidance - UK Information Commissioner's Office guidance
• About Cookies - How to control and delete cookies