Terms & Conditions of Use

Please read these terms carefully before using our platform

Last Updated: 01 December 2025

Thank you for using the BuddyApp platform ("BuddyApp", "we", "us", "our"). These Terms & Conditions of Use ("Terms") apply when you visit, browse, register on or use:

  • • our website: www.buddyapp.co.za
  • • our mobile applications
  • • any other online or electronic channel we may use from time to time

(collectively, the "Platform").

These Terms, together with our Privacy Policy, Safety Policy, and any other policies referred to in these Terms (together, the "BuddyApp Policies"), form a binding legal agreement between BuddyApp (Pty) Ltd and each person who uses the Platform or our services ("User", "you").

If you do not agree with these Terms, you must not access or use the Platform.

1Key Roles & Definitions

In these Terms, unless the context indicates otherwise:

"Client"

A User who uses the Platform to request, book or pay for services.

"Buddy" / "Service Provider"

A User who offers services via the Platform (domestic work, handyman work, cleaning, gardening, etc.). Buddies are independent contractors, not employees of BuddyApp.

"Services"

Any services offered by a Buddy to a Client via the Platform.

"Booking"

A confirmed job or task arranged through the Platform.

"Platform Fee" / "Admin Fee"

The fee charged by BuddyApp for use of the Platform, handling payments, support, and related services.

"Content"

All information, text, images, logos, videos, software, data, reviews and other material on the Platform.

All Users (Clients and Buddies) are bound by these Terms.

2Nature of the Platform

BuddyApp is a digital marketplace that connects Clients and Domestic workers (Buddies).

BuddyApp DOES:

  • ✓ Provide an online platform to help Clients find Domestic workers (Buddies)
  • ✓ Facilitate communication, bookings and payments
  • ✓ Assist with support and dispute resolution

BuddyApp does NOT:

  • ✗ Employ Buddies
  • ✗ Directly provide the Services booked
  • ✗ Control how, when or where Buddies work
  • ✗ Warrant the skills or conduct of any Buddy
  • ✗ Guarantee any particular outcome

All services are performed by independent Buddies, acting in their own capacity.

3Acceptance of Terms

By accessing or browsing the Platform, creating an account, making a Booking, offering your services as a Buddy, or communicating with BuddyApp electronically, you confirm that:

  • You have read, understood and agreed to these Terms and all BuddyApp Policies
  • You are legally capable of entering into a binding agreement

If you use the Platform on behalf of a company or organisation, you warrant that you are authorised to bind that entity to these Terms.

4Eligibility & Registration

4.1 Age & Capacity

To create an account and use the Platform, you must:

  • • Be at least 16 years old
  • • Have the legal capacity to agree to these Terms

If you are under 18, you must ensure that your use complies with all applicable laws and have consent from a parent or guardian where necessary.

4.2 Account Creation

When registering, you must:

  • • Provide accurate, current and complete information
  • • Keep your details up to date
  • • Not impersonate any other person or use a false identity

BuddyApp may require you to verify your identity (via ID, mobile number, email OTP, or third-party verification tools).

4.3 Account Security

You must:

  • • Keep your login details confidential
  • • Not share your account with others
  • • Notify us immediately if you suspect unauthorised access

You are responsible for all activity occurring under your account.

5Use of the Platform

You agree to use the Platform only for lawful purposes, in accordance with these Terms and all applicable laws of the Republic of South Africa, and in a way that does not infringe on the rights of BuddyApp, Buddies, Clients or any third party.

You may NOT:

  • • Interfere with or disrupt the Platform (e.g. hacking, scraping, overloading)
  • • Attempt to bypass any security or verification processes
  • • Use the Platform to send spam, abuse, hate speech or unlawful content
  • • Create multiple fake or duplicate profiles

BuddyApp may suspend or terminate your access if you breach these obligations.

6Services, Bookings & Relationships

6.1 Relationship between Buddy & Client

When a Client makes a Booking and a Buddy accepts it, a separate contract arises directly between the Client and the Buddy for the performance of the Services. BuddyApp is not a party to this service contract and is not responsible for its performance.

6.2 No Employment Relationship

Nothing in these Terms creates an employer–employee relationship between BuddyApp and any Buddy. Buddies:

  • • Choose when they work
  • • Choose which jobs to accept
  • • Are free to work on other platforms or privately
  • • Are responsible for their own tax, compliance and insurance

6.3 Job Descriptions & Expectations

Clients must provide clear, accurate descriptions of the required work, including location, type of task, approximate duration, and any special requirements.

Buddies must only accept jobs they are able and willing to perform safely and competently.

7Fees, Payments & Payouts

7.1 Display of Fees

In line with South African Consumer Protection principles, BuddyApp will show all relevant prices, Platform Fees, admin fees and/or subscription fees clearly in the app before a Booking is confirmed.

7.2 Payments by Clients

  • • All payments must be made through the Platform using approved payment methods
  • • Clients may not pay Buddies cash or off-platform for jobs arranged via BuddyApp
  • • If a Client attempts to move payments off-platform, BuddyApp may suspend or terminate their account

7.3 Payouts to Buddies

  • • After a Booking is completed, payment (less BuddyApp's fee) will be paid out according to the payout schedule (e.g. weekly)
  • • BuddyApp may temporarily hold or delay payouts where a dispute is raised, fraud is suspected, policy violations are under investigation, or legal compliance requires it

7.4 Fees & Changes

BuddyApp may adjust Platform Fees, admin fees or subscription fees from time to time and introduce new pricing structures. Any changes will apply to future Bookings and will be displayed in the Platform.

8Cancellations & Refunds

All Users agree to comply with the BuddyApp Cancellation Policy, which forms part of these Terms.

Client Cancellations

  • • No charge if done early
  • • A cancellation/admin fee may apply
  • • Payment for time already worked

Buddy Cancellations

  • • May result in warnings
  • • Temporary suspension
  • • Penalties or removal in serious cases

BuddyApp may, at its sole discretion, issue full or partial refunds, credits or vouchers, and adjust payouts. Refunds are not guaranteed and are assessed case-by-case.

9-10User Conduct

Clients agree to:

  • • Treat all Buddies with respect and dignity
  • • Not harass, insult, threaten, or discriminate
  • • Provide a safe environment
  • • Not request illegal or inappropriate tasks
  • • Ensure minors are supervised
  • • Not ask for work outside the Booking scope

Buddies agree to:

  • • Arrive on time or communicate if delayed
  • • Work professionally and respectfully
  • • Respect Client's property and privacy
  • • Never work under the influence
  • • Not bring unauthorised persons
  • • Not solicit off-platform payments

BuddyApp may suspend or terminate accounts for unsafe, abusive, discriminatory behaviour, repeated poor ratings, frequent cancellations, or attempts to move Clients off the Platform.

11Content, Reviews & Intellectual Property

11.1 BuddyApp Content

All Content on the Platform (logos, brand names, designs, text, graphics, software) is owned by or licensed to BuddyApp (Pty) Ltd and is protected by South African and international intellectual property laws.

You may not copy, reproduce, sell, distribute or modify the Content, or use BuddyApp's name, logo or designs without our written permission.

11.2 User Content & Reviews

Users may post ratings and reviews. You must not post content that is unlawful, defamatory, hateful, false, misleading, obscene, or spam.

You grant BuddyApp a non-exclusive, royalty-free licence to use, store, display and reproduce your reviews for Platform and marketing purposes.

12Security, Devices & Payment Processing

12.1 Devices & Connectivity

You are responsible for your own device, data connection, and security measures on your device. BuddyApp is not responsible for security breaches on your device.

12.2 Payment Processing

  • • Online payments are processed via authorised payment gateway partners
  • • BuddyApp does not store full card details
  • • Our payment partners use industry-standard encryption
  • • Transactions are processed in South African Rand (ZAR)

Despite high security standards, no online system is completely risk-free. You use the payment services at your own risk.

13Privacy & POPIA

BuddyApp is committed to respecting and protecting your privacy in line with the Protection of Personal Information Act (POPIA).

Our Privacy Policy explains what personal information we collect, why we collect it, how we store, protect, use and share it, and your rights under POPIA.

The Privacy Policy forms part of these Terms. By using the Platform, you consent to the processing of your personal information as described there.

14Email & Electronic Communication

By using the Platform, you agree that BuddyApp may communicate with you electronically (in-app, SMS, email, WhatsApp where applicable). Such communications may include notices, confirmations, updates, invoices and marketing (where allowed).

You can manage some types of communication via your settings or by using unsubscribe options. An email or in-app notification is deemed received when it enters your electronic information system and is capable of being retrieved by you.

15-16Warranties, Disclaimers & Limitation of Liability

Important Disclaimers:

No Warranty on Content or Services

The Platform, Content and Services are provided on an "as is" and "as available" basis. BuddyApp does not guarantee that the Platform will be error-free, that every Buddy will be competent, or that information is accurate.

Assumption of Risk

You acknowledge that inviting someone to your premises or going to a Client's premises carries inherent risks. Manual labour, cleaning, repairs and similar tasks may involve hazards. You use the Platform at your own risk.

Limitation of Liability

To the fullest extent permitted by law, BuddyApp will not be liable for any loss, damage, injury, claim or expense arising from your use of the Platform, any Booking, any action of a Client or Buddy, delays, failures, cancellations, viruses, data loss, or reliance on any information.

BuddyApp will not be liable for indirect, consequential, special or punitive damages, or loss of profit, revenue, savings, goodwill or data.

17Indemnity

You agree to indemnify and hold harmless BuddyApp, its directors, employees and partners from and against any claims, damages, losses, liabilities, costs and expenses (including reasonable legal fees) arising out of or related to your use of the Platform, your breach of these Terms, your violation of any law or the rights of any third party, or any claim or dispute between you and another User.

18Suspension & Termination

BuddyApp may, in its sole discretion and without prior notice: suspend, limit or terminate your access; remove or edit content; cancel Bookings; block your device or IP; withhold payouts or refunds where fraud, abuse or policy violation is suspected.

You may stop using the Platform at any time and may request closure of your account, subject to any outstanding obligations. Certain provisions (liability, indemnity, IP, governing law) will survive termination.

19Changes to the Platform & Terms

BuddyApp may update, modify or discontinue any part of the Platform or Services, and amend these Terms from time to time. Changes will be posted on the Platform with an updated "Last Updated" date. Your continued use of the Platform after changes are posted will constitute your acceptance of the updated Terms.

20Governing Law & Disputes

These Terms are governed by the laws of the Republic of South Africa.

If a dispute arises between you and BuddyApp:

  1. First contact us at support@buddyapp.co.za with full details
  2. We will try to resolve the issue informally
  3. If we cannot resolve it informally, either party may pursue their rights in a competent South African court

21Severability & General

  • • If any part of these Terms is found to be invalid or unenforceable, the remainder will continue in full force
  • • Any failure by BuddyApp to enforce a right does not mean that right is waived
  • • These Terms, together with the BuddyApp Policies, form the entire agreement between you and BuddyApp regarding your use of the Platform

22BuddyApp Details & Contact

Address

Pretoria, Gauteng, South Africa

If you have any questions about these Terms, please contact us at support@buddyapp.co.za.

© 2025 BuddyApp (Pty) Ltd. All rights reserved.