Terms of service

RiseLinkAfrica

Effective date: 9 July 2026

These Terms of Service ("Terms") govern access to and use of the website, mobile applications, and related services (together, the "Platform") operated by RiseLinkAfrica ("RiseLinkAfrica", "we", "us", or "our"). RiseLinkAfrica operates an online marketplace that connects independent sellers ("Sellers") with buyers ("Buyers") for the sale of goods and, where indicated, services (each a "User" and together "Users").

By creating an account, browsing, or otherwise using the Platform, you agree to be bound by these Terms and by our Privacy Policy, which is incorporated by reference. If you do not agree, you must not use the Platform.

These Terms are governed by the laws of the Republic of South Africa, including the Consumer Protection Act 68 of 2008 ("CPA"), the Electronic Communications and Transactions Act 25 of 2002 ("ECTA"), and the Protection of Personal Information Act 4 of 2013 ("POPIA"), each as read with its regulations, to the extent applicable.

1. Definitions

• "Account" means a registered User profile on the Platform.

• "Content" means text, images, product listings, reviews, and other material submitted to the Platform.

• "Listing" means a product or service offer published by a Seller.

• "Order" means a Buyer's accepted offer to purchase a Listing.

• "Third-Party Payment Provider" means the payment gateway(s) engaged by RiseLinkAfrica to process transactions.

2. Eligibility and Account Registration

1. You must be at least 18 years old, or the age of majority in your jurisdiction, and legally capable of entering into binding contracts to register an Account.

2. You must provide accurate, current, and complete information during registration and keep it up to date.

3. You are responsible for maintaining the confidentiality of your login credentials and for all activity under your Account. Notify us immediately of any unauthorised use.

4. We may refuse, suspend, or terminate an Account at our reasonable discretion, including for suspected fraud, misrepresentation, or breach of these Terms.

3. RiseLinkAfrica's Role as Marketplace

RiseLinkAfrica provides a venue that connects Buyers and Sellers. Unless expressly stated otherwise on a specific Listing, RiseLinkAfrica is not the seller, manufacturer, or supplier of the goods or services listed and is not a party to the contract of sale concluded between a Buyer and a Seller. Sellers are solely responsible for the accuracy of their Listings, the quality, safety, and legality of the goods or services offered, and compliance with applicable laws, including consumer protection, product safety, tax, and advertising standards.

Where RiseLinkAfrica sells goods or services directly to a Buyer under its own name, it acts as the supplier for that transaction and the CPA applies to RiseLinkAfrica accordingly.

4. Seller Terms

5. Sellers must provide truthful, complete, and non-misleading descriptions of Listings, including price (inclusive of VAT where applicable), condition, specifications, and delivery timelines.

6. Sellers must honour Orders accepted through the Platform and fulfil them within the timeframes stated in the Listing.

7. Sellers are responsible for issuing valid tax invoices where required by law.

8. Sellers grant RiseLinkAfrica a non-exclusive, royalty-free licence to display Listing Content on the Platform and in related marketing.

9. RiseLinkAfrica may charge Sellers a commission or listing fee, as disclosed in the applicable fee schedule at the time of listing. Fees are subject to change on reasonable notice.

10. RiseLinkAfrica may remove Listings or suspend Seller accounts that breach these Terms, applicable law, or our content and product standards.

5. Buyer Terms

11. Placing an Order constitutes an offer to purchase, which is accepted when the Seller (or RiseLinkAfrica, where it is the supplier) confirms the Order.

12. Prices are as displayed at the time of Order and are inclusive of VAT unless stated otherwise. Delivery fees, where applicable, are shown separately before checkout.

13. Buyers must provide accurate delivery and contact details and are responsible for delays or non-delivery caused by inaccurate information.

14. Under the CPA, Buyers who are consumers have the right to cancel certain transactions concluded through electronic communication within 7 (seven) days of receiving the goods, subject to the exclusions set out in section 44 of the ECTA and section 20 of the CPA (for example, perishable goods, personalised items, or unsealed goods that are not suitable for return for health or hygiene reasons).

6. Payments

All payments are processed through our Third-Party Payment Provider(s). RiseLinkAfrica does not store full payment card details. By making a payment, you agree to the applicable payment provider's terms. Funds due to Sellers are released in accordance with the Seller payout schedule disclosed on the Platform, less any applicable commission and payment processing fees.

7. Delivery and Risk

Estimated delivery timeframes are indicative and not guaranteed unless expressly stated. Risk in goods passes to the Buyer on delivery to the address provided, or on collection, as applicable. Ownership passes on full payment.

8. Returns, Refunds, and Warranties

Returns and refunds are handled in accordance with the applicable Seller's return policy, subject always to the minimum protections afforded to consumers under the CPA, including the right to return unsafe, defective, or materially different goods within six months of delivery for repair, replacement, or refund at the consumer's election, where those goods were not caused to fail by misuse.

Where RiseLinkAfrica is the supplier of record for a transaction, RiseLinkAfrica will honour these obligations directly. Otherwise, refund requests should first be directed to the relevant Seller through the Platform's resolution process; RiseLinkAfrica may assist in mediating disputes but is not the guarantor of a Seller's obligations except as required by law.

9. Prohibited Conduct

Users must not:

• list or attempt to sell counterfeit, stolen, illegal, or prohibited goods;

• engage in fraudulent, deceptive, or manipulative conduct, including fake reviews or price manipulation;

• circumvent the Platform's payment or fee systems;

• upload unlawful, defamatory, or infringing Content;

• interfere with the security or normal operation of the Platform, including by introducing malicious code or attempting unauthorised access;

• harass, threaten, or discriminate against other Users.

Breach of this section may result in Content removal, Account suspension or termination, forfeiture of pending payouts to the extent permitted by law, and referral to law enforcement where appropriate.

10. Intellectual Property

The Platform, including its software, design, trademarks, and RiseLinkAfrica-authored Content, is owned by or licensed to RiseLinkAfrica and protected by applicable intellectual property laws. Users retain ownership of Content they submit but grant RiseLinkAfrica a worldwide, non-exclusive, royalty-free licence to host, reproduce, and display that Content for the purpose of operating and promoting the Platform.

11. User Reviews and Content

Reviews and other User-generated Content must be genuine, based on actual experience, and must not be defamatory, unlawful, or misleading. RiseLinkAfrica may remove Content that breaches these Terms and is not obliged to pre-screen Content but may moderate it at its discretion.

12. Privacy

RiseLinkAfrica processes personal information in accordance with POPIA and our Privacy Policy, which explains what personal information we collect, how it is used, who it may be shared with (including Sellers, delivery partners, and payment providers as reasonably necessary to fulfil an Order), and the rights available to data subjects, including the right to access, correct, or request deletion of their personal information.

13. Disclaimers

The Platform is provided "as is" and "as available". To the maximum extent permitted by law, RiseLinkAfrica disclaims all warranties, express or implied, regarding the Platform's operation, availability, or the quality, safety, legality, or fitness for purpose of Listings supplied by Sellers, except as expressly stated in these Terms or required by the CPA. Nothing in this section limits any right or protection a consumer has under the CPA that cannot lawfully be excluded.

14. Limitation of Liability

To the maximum extent permitted by law, RiseLinkAfrica's aggregate liability arising out of or related to these Terms or use of the Platform, whether in contract, delict, or otherwise, is limited to the greater of (a) the fees paid by the affected User to RiseLinkAfrica in the 6 (six) months preceding the claim, or (b) R1,000. RiseLinkAfrica is not liable for indirect, incidental, or consequential loss, or for the acts or omissions of Sellers, Buyers, or third-party delivery or payment providers. Nothing in these Terms excludes liability that cannot lawfully be excluded, including liability for gross negligence or under section 61 of the CPA (product liability for supplier of record transactions).

15. Indemnity

You agree to indemnify and hold RiseLinkAfrica harmless against claims, losses, and expenses (including reasonable legal costs) arising from your breach of these Terms, your Listings or Content, or your violation of applicable law, save where such claims arise from RiseLinkAfrica's own negligence or wilful misconduct.

16. Suspension and Termination

Either party may terminate the User's use of the Platform at any time. RiseLinkAfrica may suspend or terminate access immediately where necessary to prevent harm, comply with law, or address a material breach of these Terms. Sections that by their nature should survive termination (including Sections 10, 13, 14, 15, and 18) remain in force.

17. Dispute Resolution

We encourage Users to first attempt to resolve disputes with the counterparty (Buyer/Seller) or with RiseLinkAfrica's support team directly. Unresolved disputes may be referred to the National Consumer Commission, an accredited consumer protection group, or another applicable ombud or alternative dispute resolution body, without prejudice to a party's right to approach a court of competent jurisdiction.

18. Governing Law and Jurisdiction

These Terms are governed by the laws of the Republic of South Africa. The courts of South Africa have non-exclusive jurisdiction over any dispute arising from these Terms, without prejudice to a consumer's statutory right to approach another competent forum.

19. Changes to these Terms

We may update these Terms from time to time to reflect changes in our services or legal requirements. Material changes will be notified via the Platform or by email at least 14 days before taking effect, except where a shorter period is required by law or urgent security reasons. Continued use of the Platform after changes take effect constitutes acceptance.

20. Contact Us

For questions about these Terms, contact RiseLinkAfrica at:

• Email: support@riselinkafrica.com

• Postal address: [Insert registered business address]

• Company registration number: [Insert CIPC registration number]