Trading Disclosure

People & Pillar™ is a trading name of Mercy Sawana. All services, digital products, and invoices are provided by Mercy Sawana, trading as People & Pillar (“we”, “us”, “our”). South African law applies.

Information Officer: Mercy Sawana

Deputy Information Officer: Tanaka Romin Chinounye (tanaka@peopleandpillar.com)

Contact: hello@peopleandpillar.com

Registered Address: 10 Peter Avenue, Kempton Park, Johannesburg, Gauteng

Effective Date: 31 May 2026

Version: v2.0

1. Terms Of Service

1.1 Introduction and Acceptance

By accessing our website, purchasing services or digital products, submitting forms, or engaging with us, you agree to these Terms. If you are accepting on behalf of a company, you confirm you have authority to bind that company.

1.2 Definitions

“Services”: Strategic advisory, brand development, website builds, systems implementation, frameworks, and related consulting work as defined in a Statement of Work (SOW) or proposal.

• “Digital Products”: Toolkits, templates, frameworks, downloads, courses, and portal access licensed to you.

• “Client”: The person or entity purchasing Services or Digital Products.

• “SOW”: A program-specific document defining scope, deliverables, timelines, payment terms, and acceptance criteria.

• “Frameworks”: Our proprietary methodologies including Clarity Triad Philosophy™, Brand Conversion Accelerator™, Founder Alignment Compass™, Market Clarity Sprint™, and related intellectual property.

1.3 Engagement Model

Services are delivered only as defined in a mutually accepted SOW, proposal, or program description. The SOW controls scope, deliverables, milestones, acceptance criteria, and fees. If there is a conflict between these Terms and an SOW, the SOW governs for that specific engagement.

1.4 Client Responsibilities

You agree to:

• Provide timely access to information, brand assets, technical credentials, and decision-makers

• Attend scheduled discovery calls, review sessions, and handover meetings

• Complete intake forms and pre-project checklists by agreed deadlines

• Review deliverables within stated timeframes (typically 24–48 hours for feedback rounds)

• Ensure all content, data, and materials you provide are lawful and you have rights to use them

• Respond to clarification requests within 48 hours to maintain project timelines

Timeline Extensions: Delays in providing materials, feedback, or access will extend delivery timelines accordingly. We are not responsible for missed go-live dates caused by client delays.

1.5 Fees, Invoicing, and Payment

All fees are in ZAR (South African Rand) unless stated otherwise.

• Payment terms are defined in your SOW or at checkout (typically 70% upfront / 30% at go-live for done-with-you programs)

• Invoices are due upon receipt unless otherwise stated

• Late payments may incur reasonable late fees and/or suspension of work until payment is received

• Accepted methods: EFT to our designated account, and when enabled, online payment via approved gateway

• All invoices will be issued under: “Mercy Sawana, trading as People & Pillar”

• Outstanding payments must be settled before final deliverables or access is granted

1.6 Changes and Out-of-Scope Work

Any request outside the defined SOW requires a change order documenting scope, timeline impact, and additional fees. We will not proceed with extra work without written acceptance of the change. Examples of out-of-scope work:

• Additional pages beyond agreed site structure

• Custom development not specified in original scope

• Expanded blog content beyond stated post count

• Additional revisions beyond agreed rounds

• Integration of tools not listed in original proposal

1.7 Intellectual Property and Framework Protection

Our IP Remains Ours: Our methodologies, frameworks, working files, templates, processes, diagnostic tools, and strategic models remain our exclusive property. No transfer of ownership occurs unless explicitly stated in the SOW and fully paid.

Your License: Upon full payment, you receive a non-exclusive, non-transferable license to:

• Use final deliverables (websites, documents, strategies) internally for your business

• Implement frameworks as instructed for your own operations

• Access and use digital products for internal business purposes

You May Not:

• Resell, sublicense, or redistribute our frameworks, toolkits, or methodologies

• Teach our frameworks to third parties or use them in your own consulting/training

• Publicly distribute digital products or course materials

• Reverse-engineer our proprietary processes

• Remove or modify our attribution from deliverables

Framework Licensing: If you wish to use our frameworks in your own client work or training, contact us for commercial licensing terms.

1.8 Client Logo and Case Study Usage

With Permission: We may request permission to:

• Display your company logo in our portfolio or website

• Create anonymized or attributed case studies highlighting outcomes

• Reference the engagement type and general results (e.g., “helped a SaaS founder clarify positioning”)

Your Rights:

• You may grant or withhold permission at any time

• You may request anonymization (no company name, logo replaced with “SaaS Startup Founder”)

• You may request removal of existing case studies or logos by emailing hello@peopleandpillar.com

Default Position: Without explicit written permission, we will not display your logo or create attributed case studies.

1.9 Third-Party Tools and Services

We use trusted third-party tools to deliver services and operate our website:

Service Delivery Tools:

• Framer: Website hosting and building platform

• Cal.com: Scheduling and booking system

• Notion: Client command centres, project management, and content management

• Google Workspace (Gmail, Calendar): Business communication and scheduling

• Substack: Newsletter and email content delivery

• Gumroad (via Stripe): Digital product sales and payment processing

• PayPal: International payment processing ($497 USD Strategy Session)

• PayFast: South African payment processing (R2,500 ZAR Strategy Session, when enabled)

• Make.com: Workflow automation (form processing, automated responses)

• Google Tag Manager: Website tag management and consent-based analytics

What This Means:

• Your data may be processed by these providers under their terms and privacy policies

• We select vendors with strong security and privacy practices

• You are responsible for maintaining accounts we set up on your behalf (e.g., Cal.com)

• We are not liable for third-party service outages or changes to their terms

1.10 Recording and Documentation Consent

Call Recordings: Discovery calls, alignment sessions, and review meetings may be recorded for:

• Accurate capture of your voice, preferences, and positioning insights

• Quality assurance and team training

• Reference during content development

By participating in scheduled calls, you consent to recording. Recordings are stored securely and not shared publicly.

Screen Recordings: We may deliver video walkthroughs via screen recording. These videos may include screen recordings of your systems, dashboards, and command centres. You retain rights to these recordings and may download or share them internally.

1.11 Subcontractors and Team Members

We may engage subcontractors or specialized team members to deliver certain aspects of services (e.g., technical integration, design, copywriting). All subcontractors are bound by confidentiality and quality standards equivalent to our own. We remain responsible for all work delivered.

1.12 Confidentiality

Both parties agree to:

• Keep non-public information confidential

• Use confidential information only for the engagement

• Not disclose confidential information without prior written consent

Exceptions: Information that is publicly available, independently developed, or required to be disclosed by law.

Survival: Confidentiality obligations survive termination of the engagement.

1.13 Warranties and Disclaimers

What We Provide: Professional services and digital products based on industry best practices, proven frameworks, and strategic judgment. We commit to delivering work that meets the acceptance criteria defined in your SOW.

What We Don’t Guarantee:

• Specific revenue, growth, or performance results

• Outcomes dependent on your implementation, market conditions, or timing

• Search engine rankings, traffic volumes, or conversion rates

• That your market will respond in any particular way

No Legal, Tax, or Financial Advice: Our strategic guidance does not constitute legal, tax, accounting, or financial advice. Consult qualified professionals for those areas.

As-Is Basis: Digital products are provided “as-is” with no warranty beyond what’s described in the product listing.

1.14 Liability Limitations

Our Maximum Liability: Limited to the total fees you paid us for the specific engagement in the 6 months preceding the claim.

Excluded Damages: We are not liable for:

• Indirect, consequential, or incidental losses

• Lost profits, revenue, or business opportunities

• Lost data (you are responsible for backups)

• Third-party claims arising from your use of deliverables

• Outcomes resulting from your implementation decisions

Your Indemnity: You agree to indemnify us against claims arising from:

• Content or data you provide that infringes rights or violates law

• Your use of deliverables in ways not authorized by these Terms

• Breach of your obligations under these Terms

1.15 Timeline Guarantees and Extensions

Our Commitment: We honor stated delivery timelines provided you meet your responsibilities on time.

Extension Triggers:

• Client delays in providing materials, feedback, or access

• Client absence from scheduled calls or review sessions

• Requests for additional revisions beyond agreed rounds

• Force majeure events (see Section 1.19)

No Penalty for Client-Caused Delays: We will not charge additional fees for timeline extensions caused by client delays, but we cannot guarantee original delivery dates once delays occur.

1.16 Post-Delivery Support

Included Support: Defined in your SOW (e.g., 30-day support covers implementation questions, troubleshooting, and optimization guidance).

Support Channels: Notion Command Centre, email, or scheduled calls as specified.

Response Time: 24–48 hours during business days (Monday–Friday, excluding South African public holidays).

After Support Window: Ad-hoc support, additional training, or ongoing advisory can be purchased separately.

1.17 Termination

By Either Party: Either party may terminate for material breach not cured within 10 business days of written notice.

By Client: You may terminate at any time by providing written notice. Fees for work performed, deliverables completed, and committed resources become due immediately.

By Us: We may terminate if:

• Payment is more than 14 days overdue

• You materially breach confidentiality or IP terms

• You engage in abusive, threatening, or unlawful conduct

Effect of Termination:

• Outstanding invoices become due immediately

• We retain all IP rights as stated in Section 1.7

• You retain access to deliverables completed and paid for

• Confidentiality obligations survive

1.18 Dispute Resolution

Good Faith First: Before any formal action, parties agree to attempt good-faith resolution through direct communication.

Governing Law and Venue: These Terms are governed by the laws of the Republic of South Africa. Any disputes will be resolved in the courts of Gauteng, South Africa.

Costs: In the event of legal action, the prevailing party may recover reasonable attorney fees and costs.

1.19 Force Majeure

Neither party is liable for failure to perform due to circumstances beyond reasonable control, including:

• Natural disasters, pandemics, or public health emergencies

• Government actions, strikes, or civil unrest

• Internet or infrastructure outages

• Third-party service provider failures

Effect: Performance obligations are suspended during force majeure events. If the event exceeds 30 days, either party may terminate without penalty.

1.20 Updates to Terms

We may update these Terms periodically. The effective date and version will be shown at the top of this page. Material changes will be announced via email to active clients and posted on this page. Continued use of our services after changes constitutes acceptance.

1.21 Entire Agreement

These Terms, together with any SOW or proposal, constitute the entire agreement between you and us. No other representations, warranties, or agreements apply unless in writing and signed by both parties.

2. Privacy policy(POPIA-COMPLIANT)

2.1 Who We Are

Mercy Sawana, trading as People & Pillar, is the responsible party for personal information processed via this website and in the course of delivering services.

Information Officer: Mercy Sawana

Deputy Information Officer: Tanaka Romin Chinounye tanaka@peopleandpillar.com

Our PAIA Section 51 Manual is available for download from the footer of this website.

2.2 Personal Information We Collect

Information You Provide:

• Name, email, phone number, company name (via forms, booking, checkout)

• Service interests, business challenges, positioning information (via intake forms, discovery calls)

• Payment details (processed securely via Gumroad/Stripe, PayPal, or PayFast)

• Brand assets, website credentials, content you provide for projects

Information We Collect Automatically:

• Device type, browser, IP address

• Pages viewed, time on site, navigation patterns

• Referral source, search terms used to find us

• Cookies and tracking data (see Cookie Notice)

Recordings and Documentation:

• Audio/video recordings of discovery calls and training sessions (with your consent)

• Screen recordings for video walkthroughs

• Transcripts for voice extraction and positioning work

2.3 Purpose and Lawful Basis

We process personal information to:

• Deliver services: Fulfill contracts, provide consulting, build websites, grant access to toolkits

• Communicate: Respond to inquiries, send project updates, deliver training materials

• Process payments: Issue invoices, track payments, manage refunds

• Improve services: Analyze website usage, optimize user experience, refine frameworks

• Marketing (with consent): Send newsletters, framework insights, program announcements

Lawful Basis:

• Contractual necessity: To deliver services you’ve purchased

• Legitimate interests: To operate our business, improve services, prevent fraud

• Consent: For marketing communications (you may withdraw anytime)

• Legal obligation: To comply with tax, accounting, and regulatory requirements

2.4 Data Sharing and Vendors

We share personal information only as necessary:

Service Providers:

• Framer (website hosting)

• Cal.com (scheduling)

• Notion (client command centres, content management)

• Google Workspace / Gmail (business email)

• Google Calendar (scheduling)

• Substack (newsletter delivery)

• Gumroad (via Stripe) (digital product sales and payment processing)

• PayPal (international payment processing)

• PayFast (South African payment processing)

• Make.com (workflow automation)

• Google Tag Manager (tag management, consent-based analytics)

Legal Disclosure: We may disclose information if required by law, court order, or to protect our rights.

No Selling: We do not sell or rent your personal information to third parties.

2.5 Cross-Border Data Transfers

Some of our service providers process data outside South Africa (primarily in the United States and European Union). When data is transferred internationally, we ensure appropriate safeguards as required by POPIA Section 72:

• Vendor commitments to data protection standards consistent with POPIA

• Where applicable, compliance with GDPR or equivalent frameworks

• Contractual obligations requiring adequate protection of personal information

Specifically: Notion, Framer, Cal.com, Gumroad, Substack, and Google process data on servers located outside South Africa. We have verified that each provider maintains security and privacy standards consistent with the requirements of POPIA.

2.6 Data Retention

Active Clients: We retain personal information for the duration of our engagement plus 6 years for accounting and legal compliance.

Marketing Contacts: Until you unsubscribe or request deletion.

Website Visitors: Analytics data is anonymized or deleted after 26 months.

Recordings: Discovery call recordings are retained for 12 months unless you request earlier deletion.

After retention periods, we delete or anonymize personal information unless legally required to retain it.

2.7 Security Measures

We implement reasonable technical and organizational measures:

• Encryption in transit (HTTPS/TLS)

• Access controls and password protection

• Secure cloud storage with reputable providers

• Regular security assessments

• Staff and contractor training on data protection

While we strive for robust security, no method is 100% secure. We continuously improve our safeguards.

2.8 Data Breach Notification

In the event of a security compromise affecting your personal information, we will:

• Notify the Information Regulator via the eServices portal as required by POPIA Section 22

• Notify affected individuals as soon as reasonably possible

• Provide details of the breach, the information affected, and the steps taken to address it

2.9 Your Rights Under POPIA

You have the right to:

• Access: Request a copy of personal information we hold about you

• Correction: Request updates to inaccurate or incomplete information

• Deletion: Request erasure of your personal information (subject to legal retention obligations)

• Objection: Object to certain processing (e.g., direct marketing)

• Restriction: Request limitation of processing in certain circumstances

• Data Portability: Receive your data in a structured, machine-readable format

How to Exercise Rights: Email tanaka@peopleandpillar.com with your request. We will respond within 30 days.

2.10 Marketing Communications

We send marketing emails only with your explicit consent. You can opt out anytime via:

• Unsubscribe link in any marketing email

• Emailing hello@peopleandpillar.com with “Unsubscribe” in the subject

Service Communications: We may still send transactional emails related to services you’ve purchased (e.g., project updates, invoice reminders).

2.11 Automated Decision-Making and AI

We may use AI-assisted tools in our service delivery, content creation, and business operations. No automated decisions with legal or similarly significant effects are made without human review. AI tools are used to support — not replace — professional judgment.

2.12 Children’s Privacy

Our services are not directed to individuals under 18. We do not knowingly collect personal information from children. If we discover we have collected such information, we will delete it promptly.

2.13 Contact and Complaints

Privacy Questions: tanaka@peopleandpillar.com

Complaints: If you believe we have mishandled your personal information, contact us first. You may also lodge a complaint with the Information Regulator (South Africa):

• Website: inforegulator.org.za

• Email: enquiries@inforegulator.org.za

• Phone: 010 023 5200

• Toll-free: 0800 017 160

2.14 Updates to Privacy Policy

We may update this Privacy Policy periodically. The effective date and version will be shown at the top. Material changes will be announced on this page and via email to active clients.

3. Cookie Notice

3.1 What Are Cookies

Cookies are small text files stored on your device that help websites function and improve your experience.

3.2 Types of Cookies We Use

Essential Cookies (Always Active):

• Required for core functionality (e.g., security, session management, form submissions)

• Cannot be disabled without breaking site features

Analytics Cookies (Require Consent):

• Managed via Google Tag Manager

• Help us understand site usage patterns

• Allow us to improve navigation, content, and user experience

• Only fire after you provide explicit consent

Functional Cookies:

• Remember your preferences (e.g., cookie consent choices)

Marketing Cookies (Require Consent):

• Help tailor content and measure campaign effectiveness

• Track conversions from ads or referrals

• Only fire after you provide explicit consent

3.3 Consent and Control

On first visit, we display a consent banner allowing you to:

• Accept all cookies — all categories activate

• Reject non-essential cookies — only essential cookies load

• Manage preferences — choose categories individually

Non-essential cookies and scripts are blocked until you provide explicit consent. Continued browsing without making a choice does not constitute consent.

You can change cookie settings anytime via “Manage Cookies” in the footer.

3.4 Third-Party Cookies

Some features use third-party providers that may set cookies:

• Google Tag Manager / Analytics: Website traffic analysis (consent required)

• Cal.com: Scheduling embed

• Gumroad: Digital product checkout

These providers have their own privacy policies governing cookie use.

3.5 Disabling Cookies

You can disable cookies in your browser settings. Note that some site features may not work properly without cookies (e.g., forms, scheduling, checkout).

3.6 Updates

We may update this Cookie Notice periodically. The effective date will be shown at the top.

4. Refunds & Cancellations

4.1 Services (Consulting, Programs, Done-With-You Work)

Before Work Begins: If you cancel before the first scheduled session or delivery kickoff, we will refund payments less any non-refundable deposits or administrative fees (typically 10% of total engagement fee or R2,500, whichever is lower).

After Work Begins: Once discovery calls are held, deliverables are in progress, or sessions are delivered, refunds are calculated based on:

• Work completed to date

• Resources committed (team time, licenses, third-party costs)

• Deliverables provided

Rescheduling: If you need to reschedule sessions, provide at least 48 hours’ notice. Late cancellations (less than 48 hours) may result in the session being counted as delivered.

Dissatisfaction: If you’re dissatisfied with deliverables, notify us within 7 days of delivery. We will work with you to address concerns or, if defined acceptance criteria were not met, provide a partial refund or remediation.

4.2 Digital Products (Toolkits, Templates, Courses)

All Sales Final: Due to the nature of downloadable/online content, all digital product sales are final once access is granted or downloads are provided.

Exceptions: Refunds may be provided if:

• Technical issues prevent access and cannot be resolved

• Local consumer law requires it

Request Process: Email hello@peopleandpillar.com within 7 days of purchase with details of the issue.

4.3 Refund Process

To request a refund or reschedule:

1. Email hello@peopleandpillar.com with your order details

2. Explain the reason and provide relevant context

3. We will confirm eligibility and next steps within 3 business days

4. Approved refunds are processed within 14 business days to the original payment method

4.4 Compliance

This policy aligns with South African Consumer Protection Act provisions to the extent applicable to professional services and digital products.

5. Website Disclaimer

5.1 Professional Judgment, Not Guarantees

We provide strategic advisory, frameworks, and digital products based on professional judgment and industry best practices. Outcomes depend on your implementation, market conditions, timing, and factors outside our control.

5.2 No Revenue or Performance Guarantees

We do not guarantee specific results, including:

• Revenue growth or profitability

• Client acquisition volumes

• Search rankings or website traffic

• Conversion rates or engagement metrics

Case studies and testimonials reflect specific client experiences and are not typical results.

5.3 No Legal, Tax, or Financial Advice

Content on this website is for general informational purposes. It is not:

• Legal advice (consult an attorney)

• Tax or accounting advice (consult a qualified accountant)

• Financial or investment advice (consult a financial advisor)

5.4 Third-Party Links

Our website may link to third-party sites. We are not responsible for their content, privacy practices, or accuracy. Links do not imply endorsement.

5.5 Website Availability and Accuracy

We make reasonable efforts to keep this website available and its content accurate. However, we do not guarantee uninterrupted access or that all information is current at all times. We reserve the right to modify, update, or remove content without notice. Scheduled maintenance or technical issues may temporarily affect availability.

PAIA MANUAL

Our Promotion of Access to Information Act (PAIA) Section 51 Manual is available for download as a PDF. This manual describes the records we hold, how to request access to information, and our procedures for handling such requests.

Download PAIA Manual (PDF)

CONTACT US

Questions about these policies?

Email: hello@peopleandpillar.com

Privacy or data rights inquiries:

Email: tanaka@peopleandpillar.com

(We will respond within 30 days)

Address:

10 Peter Avenue, Kempton Park, Johannesburg, Gauteng

DISCLOSURE

People & Pillar™ is a trading name of Mercy Sawana.

All services, digital products, invoices, and receipts are issued by Mercy Sawana, trading as People & Pillar.

Version: v2.0

Effective Date: 3 July 2026

Last Reviewed: 31 June 2026

CHANGE LOG

v2.0 (31 May 2026)

• Named Information Officer (Mercy Sawana) and Deputy Information Officer (Tanaka Romin Chinounye)

• Updated third-party tools: removed MailerLite, Loom, Google Analytics; added Google Tag Manager, N8N, Gumroad, Substack, Google Workspace

• Added PAIA Section 51 Manual reference and download

• Added data breach notification clause (Section 2.8)

• Updated automated decision-making statement for AI tool usage (Section 2.11)

• Strengthened cookie consent language (genuine opt-in, scripts blocked until consent)

• Updated Information Regulator contact details

• Replaced invalid Privacy Shield reference with POPIA Section 72 language

• Fixed Section 5.5 (website availability and accuracy)

• Updated trading disclosure and version

v1.0 (19 November 2025)

• Terms of Service published

• Privacy Policy (POPIA-compliant) published

• Cookie Notice published

• Refunds & Cancellations published

• Website Disclaimer published