Your Community,
Connected in One.

ABOUT US

UPINGTON CONNECT is a dynamic service provider based in Upington Norther Cape, specializing in integrated local transport and accommodation solutions. We bridge the gap between high quality service and local accessibility.

UPINGTON CONNECT is a private company that offers a variety of services, ranging from booking local rides in Upington and surrounding areas to searching for available accommodation online. We connect community members and visitors with trusted local drivers and landlords.

We are committed to providing excellent service, safe online browsing, and convenient booking solutions. To help protect our users from scams and fraud, no online payments are processed through our platform. The personal information of landlords, drivers, and users is kept safe and secure at all times.

We prioritize the safety of every community member who books a ride or rents accommodation through our platform. All drivers and their vehicles are verified, with valid documentation and roadworthy vehicles. Likewise, all landlords are required to provide up-to-date property documentation, and their properties must be maintained in good condition.

Browse now for trusted, professional, and reliable services.

For any enquiries contact us at:
Email: Info@upingtonconnect.co.za
Whatsapp/Cellphone: 27813269667

TERMS AND CONDITIONS

Effective Date: 1 June 2026

Welcome to Upington Connect. These Terms and Conditions govern the use of the Upington Connect website, mobile platforms, and services. By using our platform, you agree to comply with and be bound by these Terms and Conditions.

1. DEFINITIONS

For the purpose of these Terms and Conditions:

“Upington Connect”, “we”, “our”, or “us” refers to Upington Connect (Pty) Ltd.

“User”, “customer”, or “you” refers to any person utilizing or accessing our online connection platform.

“Ride Services” refers to peer-to-peer independent transportation connection services coordinated through our platform.

“Accommodation Services” refers to peer-to-peer accommodation connection arrangements facilitated through our platform.

“Driver” refers to any independent third-party provider offering transportation services.

“Property Owner” or “Host” refers to any independent third-party listing accommodation or housing options.

2. ACCEPTANCE OF TERMS

By accessing or using Upington Connect services, you confirm that:

• You are at least 18 years old or have explicit permission from a legal parent or guardian.
• You agree to fully comply with and be legally bound by these Terms and Conditions.
• You possess valid South African documentation and verified local contact details.
• All information you provide to the platform is accurate, complete, and truthful.
• If you do not agree with any part of these Terms, you may not use our platform or services.

3. SERVICES PROVIDED

Upington Connect provides a local digital marketplace and intermediary platform that allows users to:

• Connect with independent local transportation providers for ride bookings.
• Communicate securely with independent drivers, property owners, and hosts.
• Make online inquiries and connection reservations.

CRITICAL REGULATORY NOTICE:

Upington Connect acts strictly as an intermediary digital marketplace connecting community members with independent providers.

We do not own, manage, or operate any vehicles or accommodation properties listed on the website.

We do not handle, process, intermediate, or authorize payments between users, drivers, or hosts.

4. USER ACCOUNTS

Users are required to create an authorized account to access platform features. You agree to:

• Keep your account login credentials confidential and secure, and never permit third parties to access your profile.
• Provide and continuously maintain accurate, current, and updated personal profile information.
• Accept sole legal responsibility for all activities, bookings, and conduct initiated under your account credentials.
• We reserve the right to suspend or terminate accounts that contain fraudulent information or violate these Terms.
• If you suspect your account has been compromised, notify us immediately at info@upingtonconnect.co.za.

5. BOOKINGS AND PAYMENTS

5.1 Ride Bookings

Ride connection requests are entirely subject to the availability of independent drivers.

Estimated arrival times are indicators and may vary based on traffic, weather conditions, and seasonal local demand.

Estimated fares will be displayed before or during the booking connection process.

Independent drivers may request additional direct adjustments for excessive waiting times, route diversions, physical damage, or necessary vehicle cleaning.

5.2 Accommodation Bookings

Property bookings are entirely subject to the host's direct availability.

Pricing displayed on the website may vary depending on local booking seasons, specific dates, and occupancy limitations.

Guests must strictly follow all property-specific guidelines, terms, and house rules provided by the independent host.

Security deposits may be required directly by property hosts prior to check-in.

5.3 Payments

Upington Connect does not process, handle, intermediate, or collect payments between users and independent service providers.

All financial transactions must be finalized directly between the user and the landlord or independent driver.

Landlords, drivers, and users are solely responsible for managing, securing, and agreeing upon their own payment arrangements.

Failure to complete direct payment agreements may result in immediate booking cancellation.

6. CANCELLATIONS AND REFUNDS

6.1 Ride Cancellations

Users may cancel a ride connection request via the platform prior to the independent driver's arrival.

Direct cancellation assessments may be requested by the driver if they have already travelled a significant distance to the pickup location.

6.2 Accommodation Booking Cancellations

Cancellation policies, notice periods, and refund thresholds are determined solely by the independent property owner or host.

Refund eligibility is subject to the specific terms set by the host and the timing of the notice.

Upington Connect reserves the right to suspend booking connection services for users or providers due to active safety concerns, fraudulent activity, or unforeseen compliance issues.

7. USER RESPONSIBILITIES

Users agree and warrant:

• Not to utilize the platform or connections for any unlawful, illegal, or unauthorized activities.
• Not to damage or vandalize vehicles or accommodation properties.
• To treat all drivers, hosts, community members, and platform support staff respectfully.
• Not to transport or introduce illegal substances, weapons, or hazardous materials into connected vehicles or properties.
• Not to smoke within vehicles or properties where smoking is prohibited by the provider.
• Users will be held personally and financially liable for any property damage or loss caused during a ride or accommodation stay.

8. DRIVER AND HOST RESPONSIBILITIES

Independent drivers and property owners utilizing Upington Connect agree and warrant:

• To provide entirely accurate, updated, and verified descriptions of their vehicles, properties, and licensing status.
• To maintain all vehicles and properties in safe, sanitary, and legally compliant working conditions.
• To strictly comply with all applicable local and national South African laws, licensing rules, and zoning regulations.
• To behave professionally, ethically, and respectfully toward all customers.
• To protect user privacy and maintain absolute confidentiality regarding trip histories, routing details, accommodation stays, and visitation details.
• Drivers must never operate a vehicle under the influence of alcohol, medication, or any intoxicating substances.
• Drivers and hosts must never disclose passenger routing, destinations, tenant lists, schedules, or personal details to unauthorized third parties under any circumstances.

Upington Connect reserves the right to remove any driver or host from the platform who violates these security and privacy standards.

9. SAFETY AND LIABILITY

• While Upington Connect aims to facilitate secure local community connections:
• We do not guarantee uninterrupted, continuous, or completely error-free operation of the online platform.
• Users acknowledge and accept that independent transportation and accommodation arrangements involve inherent risks.
• Upington Connect shall not be liable for any indirect, incidental, special, or consequential damages arising out of the use of our intermediary platform.
• To the maximum extent permitted under South African law, Upington Connect is not responsible or liable for:
• Personal injury, property loss, or behavioural misconduct caused by third parties (including independent drivers and hosts).
• Lost, stolen, or damaged personal belongings during a transit connection or property stay.
• Delays or operational service disruptions caused by third-party actions, road conditions, weather, or technical failures.
• Private civil disputes arising between users, drivers, landlords, or property owners

10. PROPERTY DAMAGE AND CLEANING FEES

• Physical damage caused to third-party vehicles, properties, or community infrastructure.
• Excessive dirt, structural stains, smoking-related odour damage, or vandalism requiring professional remediation.
• Missing furniture, fixtures, appliances, or properties belonging to the host or driver.
• Repair or replacement compensation will be determined based on direct independent assessments.

11. PRIVACY AND POPIA COMPLIANCE

• Upington Connect respects user privacy and strictly processes personal data in accordance with the Protection of Personal Information Act, 4 of 2013 (“POPIA”) of South Africa. By using our platform, you consent to the processing of data to facilitate profile verification, support communications, platform security, and fraud prevention. Please consult our complete POPIA Privacy Policy for more detail.

12. PROHIBITED CONDUCT

Platform users may not:

• Create false profiles, utilize fake identities, or input fraudulent credentials.
• Harass, stalk, threaten, discriminate against, or abuse drivers, hosts, or other community members.
• Use the platform to coordinate fraudulent transactions or criminal operations.
• Attempt to hack, disrupt, reverse-engineer, or maliciously interfere with platform code, networks, or servers.
• Violations will result in immediate profile termination and referral to law enforcement authorities.

13. INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY

All platform code, website layout, trademarks, logos, branding, graphics, and textual copy are the exclusive intellectual property of Upington Connect (Pty) Ltd. Users are prohibited from copying, reproducing, distributing, or scraping any platform content without formal, written authorization.

14. CHANGES TO SERVICES AND TERMS

Upington Connect reserves the right to modify or discontinue features, update these Terms and Conditions, or adjust platform requirements at any time. Changes will be posted to our central website and will take effect immediately upon digital publication.

15. TERMINATION OF ACCESS

• We retain the absolute right to suspend or terminate platform access without prior notice if a user violates these Terms, poses an operational safety risk to drivers or hosts, or engages in harmful brand conduct.

16. GOVERNING LAW

• We retain the absolute right to suspend or terminate platform access without prior notice if a user violates these Terms, poses an operational safety risk to drivers or hosts, or engages in harmful brand conduct.

17. CONTACT INFORMATION

For any queries or formal compliance inquiries regarding these Terms and Conditions, please contact us:

Upington Connect (Pty) Ltd
Email: info@upingtonconnect.co.za
Phone: +27 81 326 9667
Location: Upington, Northern Cape, South Africa

• Upington Connect (Pty) Ltd — Terms & Conditions

18. AGREEMENT

By registering an account or utilizing Upington Connect connection services, you formally confirm that you have read, understood, and agreed to be legally bound by these Terms and Conditions.

UPINGTON CONNECT (PTY) LTD

POPIA Privacy Policy

Effective Date: 1 June 2026

Upington Connect respects your privacy and is committed to protecting your personal information in accordance with the Protection of Personal Information Act, 4 of 2013 (“POPIA”) of South Africa.

This Privacy Policy explains how we collect, use, store, share, and protect your personal information when you use the Upington Connect platform, website, mobile services, transportation booking connection services, and accommodation intermediary services.

1. ABOUT UPINGTON CONNECT

Upington Connect (Pty) Ltd is a private company and online intermediary platform based in Upington, Northern Cape. We specialize in connecting community members and visitors with trusted local transportation and accommodation providers.

Our platform provides access to connection services for:

• Ride-booking and transportation services.
• Accommodation services.
• Local travel and booking-related third-party services.

We are committed to providing safe, reliable, and accessible connection services while protecting the privacy and personal information of our users, independent drivers, landlords, and business partners. To help reduce the risk of fraud and scams, Upington Connect operates strictly as an intermediary marketplace and does not handle, authorize, or process financial transactions directly through its platform. All registered drivers, vehicles, landlords, and properties are subject to strict identity and compliance verification requirements.

By accessing or using our platform, you acknowledge that your personal information may be collected, processed, stored, and protected in accordance with this Privacy Policy and the Protection of Personal Information Act, 4 of 2013 (POPIA).

2. INFORMATION WE COLLECT

We may collect the following personal information to facilitate platform connection services:

2.1 PERSONAL IDENTIFICATION INFORMATION

• Full names
• Phone numbers
• Email addresses
• Physical addresses
• Identification or verification details where required

2.2 BOOKING INFORMATION

• Pickup and drop-off locations
• Booking dates and times
• Accommodation booking details
• Ride connection history

2.3 DEVICE AND TECHNICAL INFORMATION

• IP address
• Browser type
• Device information
• Website usage data
• Cookies and tracking information

2.4 COMMUNICATION INFORMATION

• Messages sent through the platform
• Customer support inquiries
• Reviews and ratings

3. HOW WE COLLECT INFORMATION

We collect information through the following methods:

• Directly from users during platform registration or when setting up booking connections.
• When users directly contact us for support or inquiries.
• Automatically through website cookies and analytics tools.

4. PURPOSE OF COLLECTING PERSONAL INFORMATION

We collect and process personal information for the following specific purposes:

• To facilitate connections for ride-booking and accommodation.
• To verify users, independent drivers, and property hosts for platform safety and integrity.
• To communicate booking requests, connection details, and support updates.
• To improve our services, user interface, and overall platform functionality.
• To detect, prevent, and address fraud, abuse, or unlawful activity.
• To comply with applicable legal and regulatory obligations in South Africa.

5. LAWFUL BASIS FOR PROCESSING INFORMATION

Upington Connect processes personal information in strict accordance with POPIA and only where:

• The user has given explicit consent.
• Processing is necessary to fulfill the requested platform connection services.
• Processing complies with legal obligations.
• Processing protects legitimate business interests.

6. SHARING OF PERSONAL INFORMATION

To provide our intermediary marketplace services, we may share relevant personal information with:

• Independent drivers for ride-booking coordination purposes.
• Property owners or hosts for accommodation booking coordination purposes.
• IT, hosting, and secure platform infrastructure service providers.
• Legal or regulatory authorities when strictly required by law.

Upington Connect does not sell or lease personal information to third parties.

7. DATA STORAGE AND SECURITY

Upington Connect takes reasonable, appropriate technical and organizational measures to protect personal data. We store customer information securely and retain only the data necessary to provide our platform services. Data is protected using secure protocols, strict access controls, and regular system backups. Only authorized personnel can access internal data systems.

We actively take steps to prevent data loss, theft, misuse, unauthorized access, disclosure, alteration, and destruction. If required, we will notify users of any data breach according to applicable law. Our underlying hosting infrastructure incorporates robust protective measures, including:

• 24/7 server monitoring and firewalls
• Anti-malware protection and advanced security modules (including mod_security and PHP hardening)
• Continuous vulnerability scans and infrastructure penetration testing
• Dedicated data center security management teams
• Operating system updates, secure database hashing Regular backups
• ISO/IEC 27001:2022 certified, TIER III infrastructure data centers, ensuring GDPR-aligned protection

While we strive to implement industry-standard safeguards to protect all user information, no online system or data transmission over the internet can be guaranteed to be completely secure.

8. DATA RETENTION

We retain personal information only for as long as necessary to fulfill connection requests, maintain historical booking connection logs, comply with legal requirements, resolve disputes, and enforce platform agreements. When information is no longer required, it will be securely deleted, de-identified, or destroyed.

9. COOKIES AND TRACKING TECHNOLOGIES

Our website utilizes cookies and similar tracking technologies to improve user experience, analyze website traffic patterns, remember user preferences, and optimize overall platform performance. Users may disable cookies through their individual browser settings, although certain website features or interactive elements may not function properly as a result.

10. USER RIGHTS UNDER POPIA

In accordance with POPIA, users maintain the right to:

• Access their stored personal information.
• Request the correction, updating, or deletion of their personal information.
• Object to specific processing activities under legitimate grounds.
• Withdraw consent at any time where processing is entirely based on prior consent.
• Lodge a complaint regarding data handling practices with the Information Regulator of South Africa at www.justice.gov.za/inforeg.

11. THIRD-PARTY SERVICES

Our platform may contain links to external, third-party websites or mobile applications. Upington Connect is not responsible for the privacy practices, data handling, or content of external websites or third-party service providers. Users are strongly encouraged to review the individual privacy policies of those services independently.

12. CHILDREN’S PRIVACY

Upington Connect services are not intended for use by individuals under the age of 18 without explicit parental or guardian consent. We do not knowingly or unlawfully collect personal information from minors.

13. CHANGES TO THIS PRIVACY POLICY

Upington Connect reserves the right to update or modify this Privacy Policy at any time. Updated versions will be published directly on our website with the revised effective date. Continued use of the platform after changes are published constitutes active acceptance of the updated policy terms.

14. CONTACT INFORMATION

If you have any questions, concerns, or formal requests regarding this Privacy Policy or the management of your personal information, please contact us:

Upington Connect (Pty) Ltd
Email: info@upingtonconnect.co.za
Phone: +27 81 326 9667
Location: Upington, Northern Cape, South Africa

15. COMPLAINTS TO THE INFORMATION REGULATOR

If you believe your personal information has been processed unlawfully, you have the right to lodge a formal complaint with the Information Regulator of South Africa:

Website: https://www.justice.gov.za/inforeg/
Email: inforeg@justice.gov.za

16. CONSENT

By using the Upington Connect platform and services, you express your clear consent to the collection, processing, and storage of your personal information as precisely described in this Privacy Policy.

How can we help?

UpingtonConnect is here to assist you. Whether you have a question about a listing, a booking issue, or want to report a problem — reach out to us directly.

📱 WhatsApp Support

The fastest way to reach us is via WhatsApp. Tap the button below and describe your issue — we typically respond within a few hours.

📘 Find Us on Social Media

Follow us or send us a message on our social platforms:

• Facebook: https://web.facebook.com/upingtonconnect?_rdc=1&_rdr#
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/upingtonconnect
• X (Twitter): @upingtonconnect

⏰ Support Hours

Monday – Saturday: 07:00 – 20:00
Sunday: 09:00 – 17:00

🐛 Report an Issue

If you encounter a problem with a driver, landlord, or the platform itself, please let us know via WhatsApp. Include as much detail as possible so we can resolve it quickly.