Although EW Serfontein & Associates Inc. was established in 1999, our rich history is over sixty years in the making, having originated from a partnership known as Nathan Bloch & Gross which was formed in 1949.

Legal Notices | POPIA Compliance

1. Disclaimer

The material published on this website is provided by EW Serfontein & Associates Inc. (“the Firm”) for general information only. Nothing on this website should be regarded as legal advice or relied upon as a substitute for consulting a qualified attorney.
The Firm accepts no responsibility for any loss or damage that may result from reliance on website content. All information is subject to change without notice.

2. Privacy Notice

EW Serfontein & Associates Inc. is committed to safeguarding the personal information of anyone who visits or interacts with this website.

2.1 Collection and Use of Information

When Users access the website, certain information may automatically be collected (such as IP addresses or browsing statistics). This information does not identify Users personally and is used to improve website functionality, performance, and content.

Although the Firm takes reasonable steps to secure information, the Internet is not completely secure. Communication via email or online channels may be intercepted, altered, or accessed unlawfully. Users should avoid sending sensitive or confidential information online unless using secure, encrypted methods.

The Firm cannot be held liable for any loss suffered due to unauthorised interception or modification of Internet-based communications.

2.2 Voluntary Information Provided by Users

If a User voluntarily submits content, enquiries, feedback, or other information to the website, they grant the Firm a non-exclusive, royalty-free right to use such content for operational or communication purposes.
The User confirms that they have the necessary rights or permission to provide such content and indemnifies the Firm against any claims arising from its submission or use.

2.3 Information Required to Provide Services

Should a User request services or make contact through the website, the Firm may require certain personal information in order to respond, provide legal services, or fulfil administrative requirements.
Information may be shared with authorised employees, service providers, or affiliated entities strictly for the purpose of delivering those services.

Users may choose not to share particular information, but doing so may limit the Firm’s ability to assist them.

2.4 Marketing & Communications

The Firm may from time to time send newsletters, legal updates, or information about its services.
Users will always have the option to unsubscribe or opt out of such communications.

2.5 Transfers of Business Data

In the event that the Firm undergoes a restructuring, merger, sale, or other organisational change, client or User information may form part of the assets transferred.

2.6 Legal Obligations

Where the Firm is required by law or court order to disclose information, it will comply strictly with such obligations.

2.7 Surveys and Feedback

To improve its service delivery, the Firm may conduct voluntary online surveys. Participation is optional, and Users will be informed about how the information will be used.

3. Cookies

This website may use cookies or similar technologies for functionality, analytics, and optimisation. Users may manage cookie preferences through their browser settings.

4. Legal Terms of Use

4.1 Acceptance of Terms

By using this website, Users agree to these Terms of Use. If they do not agree, they must discontinue using the website immediately.

4.2 Changes to the Terms

EW Serfontein & Associates Inc. may update or amend these Terms from time to time. Continued use of the website constitutes acceptance of any updated version.

4.3 Intellectual Property Rights

All content on the website—including text, articles, graphics, photographs, logos, software, and downloadable materials—is owned by or licensed to EW Serfontein & Associates Inc. and is protected under South African copyright and intellectual property laws.

No content may be reproduced, distributed, modified, or used for commercial purposes without the Firm’s written consent.

4.4 Permitted Use

Users are granted a limited, revocable, non-exclusive licence to access and view the website for personal and informational purposes only.
Users may not:

reproduce or republish content,

copy website structure or design,

frame portions of the site,

misuse or scrape data,

or engage in any commercial use of website materials
without permission.

Any unauthorised use automatically terminates this licence.

4.5 Limitation of Liability

The website is provided “as is”. EW Serfontein & Associates Inc. makes no representations or warranties regarding:

accuracy of information,

uninterrupted access,

completeness of content,

or suitability of information for any particular purpose.

The Firm will not be liable for any direct, indirect, or consequential damages arising from website use or inability to access the website.

4.6 Jurisdiction and Applicable Law

These Terms are governed by the laws of the Republic of South Africa.
Users consent to the jurisdiction of the appropriate High Court of South Africa (Gauteng Division, Pretoria) for any disputes arising from these Terms or website use.

If any clause is found to be invalid or unenforceable, the remaining provisions will continue to function as intended.

5. POPIA Compliance: Processing of Personal Information

EW Serfontein & Associates Inc. (“the Firm”) is committed to complying with the Protection of Personal Information Act 4 of 2013 (POPIA) and to ensuring that personal information is collected, used, stored, and protected lawfully and responsibly.

This section explains how the Firm processes personal information and outlines the rights afforded to data subjects under POPIA.

5.1 Responsible Party

EW Serfontein & Associates Inc. acts as the Responsible Party as defined in POPIA.
The Firm determines the purpose and means of processing personal information provided by clients, website users, and members of the public.

5.2 Purpose of Processing

The Firm processes personal information only for lawful and legitimate purposes, including:

responding to enquiries submitted through the website

establishing and maintaining attorney–client relationships

providing legal services and advice

verifying identity and compliance with legal obligations

billing, administration, and reporting

internal risk management and operational needs

sending legal updates or marketing material (where consent is provided)

complying with statutory and regulatory requirements

Personal information will not be used for purposes unrelated to these activities unless consent is obtained or processing is permitted by law.

5.3 Categories of Personal Information Processed

Depending on the nature of the interaction, the Firm may collect and process:

contact details (name, email, telephone number)

identification and verification documents

demographic information

financial and billing information

correspondence, files, and documents supplied for legal services

website analytics and technical information (e.g., IP addresses, browser data)

any information required by law to fulfil legal or compliance duties

Sensitive or special personal information (e.g., health, biometric, criminal, or children’s information) is only processed when legally justified and necessary for legal services or compliance.

5.4 Lawful Basis for Processing

The Firm processes personal information based on one or more lawful grounds:

consent provided by the data subject

performance of a contract or steps taken at the request of a data subject

legal obligations placed on attorneys and law firms

legitimate interests of the Firm, clients, or third parties

protection of a data subject’s legitimate interests

compliance with regulatory requirements

5.5 Information Security Safeguards

The Firm implements appropriate technical and organisational measures to protect personal information against:

loss

unauthorised access

unlawful processing

destruction or damage

Security safeguards include secure servers, access controls, restricted staff access, encryption where appropriate, and professional confidentiality obligations inherent in legal practice.

5.6 Retention of Information

Personal information is retained only for as long as necessary to fulfil the services for which it was collected or as required by:

the Legal Practice Act,

other applicable legislation, or

professional rules relating to record-keeping by attorneys.

Information that is no longer required will be securely destroyed or de-identified.

5.7 Sharing of Personal Information

Personal information may be shared with:

employees and partners of the Firm

service providers who assist with operational functions

statutory bodies, courts, or regulators when legally obliged

third parties to the extent necessary to provide legal services

The Firm ensures that all third parties receiving information uphold equivalent privacy and confidentiality standards.

No personal information will be sold, traded, or shared for unrelated marketing purposes.

5.8 Cross-Border Transfers

Where necessary, personal information may be transferred outside South Africa—for example, for litigation support, expert consultations, cloud hosting, or international legal matters.
Such transfers will occur only when:

the recipient jurisdiction has adequate data protection laws, or

the Firm has ensured that appropriate safeguards are in place, or

the data subject has provided consent, or

the transfer is required for the performance of a contract or legal services.

5.9 Your Rights Under POPIA

As a data subject, you have the right to:

access personal information held by the Firm

request correction of inaccurate or outdated information

request deletion of information where legally appropriate

object to the processing of personal information

withdraw consent for optional processing activities

request details of any third parties with whom information has been shared

to lodge a complaint with the Information Regulator

Requests may be submitted to the Firm’s Information Officer.

5.10 Information Officer

For any enquiries pertaining to the Firm's POPIA compliance please contact EW Serfontein & Associates Inc via the details provided on their CONTACT PAGE.

Thank you.