Privacy Policy
Last updated: 23/06/2026
Dr Simune Matthee Homeopathic Practice, is committed to protecting your privacy and complies with the Protection of Personal Information Act, 2013 (POPIA).
1. What we collect
Name, ID number, date of birth, contact details (email, phone, address); health information (medical history, symptoms, treatment and homeopathic case notes); appointment details; and technical data (IP address, browsing activity). Health information is special personal information under POPIA.
2. How we collect it
Via the website booking/contact form; through email, phone, or in-person contact; during consultations; and automatically through cookies and analytics.
3. Why we collect it
To manage bookings and enquiries; to provide consultation, diagnosis and treatment; to keep patient records as required by AHPCSA and health-practice rules; to process payments; and to meet legal obligations.
4. Legal basis for processing health information
Under POPIA section 27, we process your health information because it is carried out by a health-care practitioner bound by a duty of confidentiality, and is necessary for your treatment. We process all other personal information based on your consent and our legitimate practice and legal obligations.
5. How we store, use, share and disclose information
Information is stored securely with access limited to authorised persons. We do not sell your information. We share it only with service providers who help run the practice (booking, payment, hosting) under confidentiality obligations, where required by law or a regulator, or with your explicit consent (e.g. referrals).
6. Security safeguards
As required by POPIA section 19, we apply reasonable technical and organizational measures, including restricted access, secure storage, and password protection to guard against loss, damage, or unauthorized access.
7. Data retention
Clinical records are retained for at least 6 years from the date of last consultation, as per HPCSA/AHPCSA guidelines. Records of minors are kept until the patient turns 21. Information no longer required is securely destroyed.
8. Cross-border transfer
Some service providers (e.g. website host, analytics) may store data on servers outside South Africa. Where this occurs, we take reasonable steps to ensure your information receives a comparable level of protection, as required by POPIA section 72.
9. Children's information
Where we process the information of a minor (under 18), we require the consent of a parent or legal guardian.
10. How we communicate with you
We may contact you by email, phone, or SMS for appointment confirmations, reminders, and treatment follow-ups. Marketing messages are sent only with your consent, and you may opt out at any time (Section 13).
11. Cookies and tracking
Our website uses cookies to function and to analyse usage. Third-party services (host, analytics) may set their own cookies under their own policies. You can disable cookies in your browser, though some features may not work.
12. Your rights and withdrawing consent
Under POPIA you may access, correct, or delete your information, object to or withdraw consent (subject to legal record-keeping for health records), and lodge a complaint with the Information Regulator. To exercise these rights, contact us below.
13. Updates and contact
This policy may be updated; the latest version is always posted here.
Dr Simune Matthee
Email: drsimune@gmail.com
Phone: 0837048257
Information Regulator (SA): inforegulator.org.za