Last updated: 08 June 2026
This Privacy Policy explains how Mareli Csabai, trading as Ask Mareli (“we”, “us”, “our”), collects, uses, and protects your personal information when you visit askmareli.com or engage with our services.
This policy is compliant with the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) (EU) 2016/679 and the Protection of Personal Information Act (POPIA), 4 of 2013 (South Africa).
1. Who We Are
Business Name: Ask Mareli
Information Officer / Data Controller: Mareli Csabai
Email: mentor@askmareli.com
Website: www.askmareli.com
Country of Operation: South Africa
2. What Personal Information We Collect
Information you provide directly
- Your name and email address when you submit an enquiry or contact form
- Your name, email address, and any details you share when completing a Google Form
- Your name and email address when you subscribe to our mailing list
- Any information you share voluntarily during counselling sessions or correspondence
Information collected automatically
- Browser type, device type, and operating system
- Pages visited, time spent on pages, and referring URLs
- IP address and approximate geographic location
- Cookies and similar tracking technologies (see Section 7)
3. Why We Collect Your Information (Purpose and Legal Basis)
To provide counselling services: We process your name and contact details to deliver the services you have requested. Legal basis: performance of a contract (GDPR Art. 6(1)(b)); legitimate purpose (POPIA).
To respond to enquiries: We use your contact details to respond to messages and form submissions you send us. Legal basis: legitimate interests (GDPR Art. 6(1)(f)); legitimate purpose (POPIA).
To send marketing emails: If you have subscribed to our mailing list, we use your name and email address to send you newsletters, devotionals, and updates. Legal basis: consent (GDPR Art. 6(1)(a)); consent (POPIA). You may unsubscribe at any time using the link in any email.
To analyse website traffic: We use Google Analytics to understand how visitors use our site and to improve its content. Legal basis: legitimate interests (GDPR Art. 6(1)(f)); legitimate purpose (POPIA).
4. Third Parties We Share Your Information With
We do not sell your personal information. We share it only with the following trusted service providers who process it on our behalf:
Google Analytics (Google LLC): Website traffic analysis. Data may be processed in the United States. Google is certified under the EU-US Data Privacy Framework. See Google’s Privacy Policy at policies.google.com/privacy.
Google Forms (Google LLC): Online forms and data collection. Responses are stored in Google’s infrastructure and may be processed in the United States. Google is certified under the EU-US Data Privacy Framework. See Google’s Privacy Policy at policies.google.com/privacy.
Mailchimp (The Rocket Science Group LLC): Email marketing and mailing list management. Data may be processed in the United States. Mailchimp complies with GDPR via standard contractual clauses. See Mailchimp’s Privacy Policy at mailchimp.com/legal/privacy.
We may also disclose your information to regulatory or law enforcement authorities if required to do so by law.
5. Sensitive Information
As a Christian counselling service, you may choose to share sensitive personal information with us, including information relating to your mental, emotional, or spiritual wellbeing. We treat all such information with the highest level of confidentiality. We will never share this information with any third party without your explicit consent, except where required by law or where there is a risk of harm.
6. International Transfers of Personal Information
Some of our service providers (Google and Mailchimp) are based outside South Africa and the European Union. Where personal information is transferred internationally, we ensure appropriate safeguards are in place, including standard contractual clauses or equivalent frameworks recognised under GDPR and POPIA.
7. How Long We Keep Your Information
Client records: Retained for 5 years after the end of our counselling relationship, in line with South African statutory requirements.
Mailing list subscribers: Retained until you unsubscribe or request deletion.
Enquiry and form submission records: Retained for 2 years unless a counselling relationship follows.
Website analytics data: Retained in accordance with Google Analytics default retention settings (26 months).
8. Cookies
Our website uses cookies — small text files stored on your device — to improve your browsing experience and analyse site traffic.
Cookies we use
Essential cookies: Required for the website to function. These cannot be disabled.
Analytics cookies (Google Analytics): Collect anonymous data about how visitors use the site. These are only set with your consent.
You can control or disable cookies through your browser settings at any time. Disabling analytics cookies will not affect your ability to use the site.
9. Your Rights
Under GDPR (if you are in the EU/EEA)
- Right of access: Request a copy of the personal information we hold about you.
- Right to rectification: Request correction of inaccurate or incomplete information.
- Right to erasure: Request deletion of your personal information (“right to be forgotten”).
- Right to restrict processing: Request that we limit how we use your information.
- Right to data portability: Request your information in a structured, machine-readable format.
- Right to object: Object to processing based on legitimate interests or for direct marketing.
- Right to withdraw consent: Where processing is based on consent, you may withdraw it at any time.
Under POPIA (if you are in South Africa)
- Right of access: Request access to personal information we hold about you.
- Right to correction or deletion: Request that inaccurate, irrelevant, or outdated information be corrected or deleted.
- Right to object: Object to the processing of your personal information.
- Right to complain: Lodge a complaint with the Information Regulator of South Africa.
To exercise any of these rights, contact us at mentor@askmareli.com. We will respond within 30 days.
10. How We Protect Your Information
- Password-protected systems and accounts
- Encrypted data transmission (HTTPS)
- Restricted access to personal information on a need-to-know basis
- Regular review of data handling practices
11. Children’s Privacy
Our services are intended for adults. We do not knowingly collect personal information from anyone under the age of 18. If you believe a minor has submitted information to us, please contact us and we will delete it promptly.
12. Links to Other Websites
Our website may contain links to third-party websites. We are not responsible for the privacy practices of those sites and encourage you to read their privacy policies independently.
13. Complaints
If you have a concern about how we handle your personal information, please contact us first at mentor@askmareli.com.
If you are not satisfied with our response, you may lodge a complaint with:
Information Regulator of South Africa
Website: www.inforegulator.org.za
Email: inforeg@justice.gov.za
For EU residents — your local Data Protection Authority (DPA). A full list is available at: edpb.europa.eu/about-edpb/about-edpb/members_en
14. Changes to This Policy
We may update this policy from time to time. The date at the top of this page reflects when it was last revised. Continued use of the website after any changes constitutes acceptance of the updated policy.
15. Document Control
Date of Issue: 08 June 2026
Next Review Date: 08 June 2027
Version: 1.0