Privacy Policy

Who we are

ASCEND, the African Synthesis Centre for Climate Change, Environment and Development, is based at the African Climate and Development Initiative (ACDI) at the University of Cape Town (UCT). UCT is the responsible party for personal information processed through this website, in terms of the Protection of Personal Information Act 4 of 2013 (POPIA).

Information we collect

We collect only the personal information you choose to give us. Through our enquiry, application, and partnership forms this may include your name, email address, institution or organisation, country, area of interest, and the content of your message. If you subscribe to our newsletter, your email address and any details you submit are processed by our newsletter provider.

We also collect limited technical information automatically, such as your browser type, device type, and pages visited, to understand how the site is used and to keep it secure.

How we use your information

We use your information to respond to enquiries, assess applications and expressions of interest, manage partnership discussions, send the newsletter you requested, and improve the website. We do not sell your personal information, and we do not use it for automated decision-making.

Newsletter data

Our newsletter is delivered using a third-party mailing platform. When you subscribe, your email address is stored by that provider on our behalf for the purpose of sending ASCEND updates about funding calls, synthesis team opportunities, events, and policy outputs. Every newsletter includes an unsubscribe link, and you may unsubscribe at any time.

Cookies and analytics

This website uses only the cookies and similar technologies needed for the site to function and, where enabled, for aggregated analytics. Analytics data is used in aggregate to understand which content is useful. You can block or delete cookies in your browser settings, though some functionality may be affected.

Sharing and transfers

We share personal information only with service providers who process it on our behalf, such as our website host and newsletter platform, and with UCT staff who need it to respond to your enquiry. Some providers may process data outside South Africa; where this happens we take reasonable steps to ensure comparable protection as required by POPIA.

Retention and security

We keep personal information only for as long as it is needed for the purpose it was collected, or as required by UCT policy and applicable law. We apply reasonable technical and organisational measures to protect it against loss, unauthorised access, and misuse.

Your rights

Under POPIA you may request access to the personal information we hold about you, ask us to correct or delete it, object to its processing, or withdraw consent for the newsletter. To exercise any of these rights, contact us using the details below. You also have the right to lodge a complaint with the Information Regulator of South Africa.