Privacy Policy

1. Introduction

The Wits GOLD Programme and Ulwazi Plus platform ("Ulwazi Plus", "we", "us", or "our") is committed to protecting the privacy and personal information of our users, including postgraduate students, staff, and affiliated institutions.

This Privacy Policy outlines how we collect, use, store, and share your personal information when you use our platform and related services.

2. What Information We Collect

We collect and process the following types of personal information:

• User Information: Full name, email address, student or staff ID, faculty, programme, and academic level.
• Usage Data: Course enrolment details, login activity, learning progress, milestone completions, and feedback submissions.
• Technical Information: IP address, device type, browser information, and cookies for usage analytics and system optimization.
• Support Communications: Any messages or requests sent via helpdesk or contact forms.

3. How We Use Your Information

We use your personal data to:

• Provide, manage, and improve access to the GOLD Programme and Ulwazi Plus learning resources.
• Track academic and professional development progress.
• Communicate with you regarding platform updates, feedback requests, and learning activities.
• Generate anonymised reports for institutional planning and postgraduate support.
• Ensure system security, performance, and compliance with university policies.

4. Lawful Basis for Processing

Your data is processed:

• Based on your consent when you sign up or log into the platform.
• As part of legitimate interests to deliver academic and professional development support.
• To fulfil contractual obligations with Wits University and programme partners.

5. Sharing of Information

We do not sell or rent your personal data. Your information may be shared only with:

• Academic supervisors and mentors for monitoring your development.
• Institutional administrators for reporting and programme coordination.
• Third-party service providers (e.g., hosting and analytics services) under strict data protection agreements.

All shared data is limited to what is necessary and appropriate safeguards are in place.

6. Data Storage and Retention

All data is securely stored on university-approved servers. We retain personal data only for as long as necessary to support your participation in the programme and comply with institutional, legal, or regulatory obligations.

7. Your Rights

You have the right to:

• Access, correct, or delete your personal data.
• Withdraw consent for non-essential data processing.
• Lodge a complaint with the Wits Information Officer or South African Information Regulator.

To exercise your rights, please contact: gold.research@wits.ac.za

8. Cookies and Tracking

Ulwazi Plus uses cookies and similar technologies to enhance user experience and monitor site performance. You may control cookie preferences via your browser settings.

9. Security

We use technical and organizational measures to protect your data from loss, misuse, unauthorized access, or disclosure. However, no system is completely secure, and users are advised to maintain secure passwords and protect their login credentials.

10. Changes to This Policy

This Privacy Policy may be updated periodically. Material changes will be communicated via email or platform notifications.