1. What Are Cookies?

Cookies are small text files stored on your device (computer, tablet, smartphone) when you visit a website.
They help us make our Site work properly, improve security, and provide you with a better online experience.

2. Why Cookies Are Used

We use cookies for the following purposes:

1. Strictly Necessary Cookies

   • Enable essential website functions such as logging in, submitting forms, and navigating between secure areas.
   • These cookies are required for the Site to function and cannot be switched off.

2. Performance & Analytics Cookies (optional)

   • Help us understand how citizens use our Site so we can improve services.
   • Information collected is aggregated and anonymous.

3. Functionality Cookies

   • Remember your settings (e.g., language preferences, accessibility adjustments).
   • Provide a more personalised browsing experience.

4. Security Cookies

   • Protect your account and data by detecting suspicious activity.
   • Used for fraud prevention and to safeguard municipal systems.

3. Types of Cookies We Use

• Session Cookies — Temporary; deleted when you close your browser. Used mainly for secure logins (e.g., resident portals).
• Persistent Cookies — Remain on your device for a set period or until deleted. Used to remember preferences.
• First-Party Cookies — Placed by our Site.
• Third-Party Cookies — Placed by external service providers (e.g., analytics, maps, social media links).

4. Managing and Controlling Cookies

• You can accept or reject non-essential cookies when you first visit our Site.
• You can also manage or delete cookies at any time via your browser settings.
• Please note: If you disable necessary cookies, some services and features may not function properly.

5. Third-Party Services

Our Site may include links or embedded content from third-party providers (e.g., Google Maps, payment gateways, analytics).
These providers may set their own cookies, which are outside of the Municipality’s control. We encourage you to review
their privacy policies.

6. Your Privacy Rights

As a user, you have the right to:

• Request information about the personal data we collect.
• Withdraw consent for optional cookies at any time.
• Lodge a complaint with the Information Regulator of South Africa if you believe your data rights have been violated.

7. Updates to This Policy

We may update this Cookies document from time to time. Any changes will be published on this page with a new
“Effective Date.”

8. Contact Us

For questions about this Cookie Policy or how we handle your data, please contact:

Information Officer – Johannes Makgoba
Email: complaints@midvaal.gov.za
Tel: 016 360 7400