Terms of Use

SOFTMEET

Terms and Conditions

Last Updated: June 6, 2026

IMPORTANT NOTICE

These Terms and Conditions govern your access to and use of the SoftMeet communication platform operated by Softtechz Technology (Pty) Ltd. By accessing or using any SoftMeet service, you agree to be legally bound by these Terms. If you do not agree, do not use our services.

SoftMeet is a SITA-certified (RFB2009) platform operating as essential digital infrastructure for South Africa, designed to enable communication for all citizens including those without data access.

1. DEFINITIONS

• "Platform" means the SoftMeet mobile application, web portal, and all associated services operated by Softtechz Technology (Pty) Ltd.

• "User" means any individual or entity accessing or using the Platform.

• "Seller" means a User who lists products or services on the SoftMeet Marketplace.

• "Buyer" means a User who purchases products or services on the SoftMeet Marketplace.

• "Creator" means a User who creates content, hosts live streams, or organises events on the Platform.

• "Affiliate" means a User who participates in the SoftMeet Affiliate Programme.

• "Coins" means SoftMeet's virtual currency used for gifting on the Platform.

• "Paystack" means Paystack Payments (Pty) Ltd, the third-party payment processor used by SoftMeet.

• "Escrow" means the temporary holding of funds by Paystack pending release to the designated recipient.

• "Commission" means the 20% fee retained by SoftMeet on marketplace transactions.

2. SERVICE TIERS AND DATA USAGE

2.1 Data-Free Services (Basic Tier)

The following services are provided without data usage where network agreements exist:

• Text messaging and chat communication

• Basic profile management (text-based information)

• Website navigation and account management

• User authentication and login processes

2.2 Data-Required Services (Premium Tier)

The following services require an active internet connection and will consume data:

• Media upload and storage (images, videos, audio files via DigitalOcean Spaces)

• Media viewing and download (accessing any uploaded content)

• Voice and video calls via Agora.io

• Go Live streaming and viewing

• File sharing and document uploads

• Marketplace browsing with product images

• Coin purchases and gifting

• Event ticket purchases via Paystack

• Subscription payments via Paystack

• New user registration (OTP verification via third-party SMS)

• All Paystack payment transactions

2.3 Data-Free Clarification

Data-free access is limited exclusively to text-based communication where network provider agreements are in place. First-time registration requiring OTP verification is NOT data-free as this relies on third-party SMS services. All payment processing via Paystack requires internet connectivity. SoftMeet accepts no liability for data charges incurred through any service usage.

3. ACCEPTANCE OF TERMS

By downloading, installing, or using the SoftMeet application or accessing our website, you confirm that:

• You are at least 13 years of age (or the minimum legal age in your jurisdiction)

• You have read, understood, and agree to be bound by these Terms

• You consent to processing of your data as described in our Privacy Policy

• You acknowledge that data charges will apply for Premium Services

• You have the legal authority to enter into this agreement

4. USER ACCOUNTS AND RESPONSIBILITIES

4.1 Account Registration

To use SoftMeet services, you must create an account. You agree to:

• Provide accurate, current, and complete information during registration

• Maintain the security and confidentiality of your login credentials

• Notify us immediately of any unauthorised access to your account

• Be responsible for all activities conducted under your account

• Not share account credentials or allow unauthorised access

4.2 Prohibited Conduct

You agree not to:

• Reverse engineer, decompile, or attempt to extract source code

• Violate any applicable laws or regulations through use of the Platform

• Transmit harmful, offensive, defamatory, or illegal content

• Attempt to gain unauthorised access to our systems or other users' accounts

• Use automated systems or bots without express written permission

• Create multiple accounts to circumvent restrictions or bans

• Interfere with or disrupt the integrity or performance of the Platform

• Engage in fraudulent activity including false dispute claims

• Use the Platform to facilitate money laundering or financial crimes

5. PAYMENT PROCESSING AND THIRD-PARTY PROCESSORS

5.1 Paystack as Payment Processor

All financial transactions on the SoftMeet Platform are processed by Paystack Payments (Pty) Ltd ('Paystack'), a third-party payment service provider authorised by the South African Reserve Bank. By making any payment on SoftMeet, you agree to Paystack's terms of service and privacy policy available at https://paystack.com/za/terms.

SoftMeet does not store your card details. All card data is securely processed and stored by Paystack in accordance with PCI-DSS compliance standards. SoftMeet accepts no liability for payment processing failures, card declines, or security incidents on Paystack's infrastructure.

5.2 Payment Methods

Paystack supports the following payment methods on SoftMeet:

• Credit and debit cards (Visa, Mastercard)

• Capitec Pay

• Bank transfers

• Other methods as made available by Paystack from time to time

5.3 Currency

All transactions on SoftMeet are processed in South African Rand (ZAR). Currency conversion fees may apply for international transactions and are the sole responsibility of the User.

5.4 Payment Security

Paystack employs bank-level encryption and security protocols. SoftMeet implements additional security measures including duplicate payment prevention, reference-based transaction tracking, and real-time verification of all payments before services are rendered.

6. MARKETPLACE TERMS

6.1 How the Marketplace Works

The SoftMeet Marketplace enables Users to buy and sell physical and digital products. SoftMeet acts solely as an intermediary platform and is not a party to any transaction between Buyers and Sellers.

6.2 SoftMeet Commission

SoftMeet retains a 20% commission on all marketplace transactions. This commission is automatically deducted at the time of payment through Paystack's split payment mechanism. The Seller receives 80% of the transaction value minus Paystack's processing fees.

6.3 Escrow and 30-Day Hold

All marketplace payments are held in escrow for a period of 30 (thirty) days from the date of purchase. During this period:

• The Buyer may raise a dispute if the item is not received or not as described

• Seller earnings are frozen pending resolution of any dispute raised

• No early release of funds will be made during the dispute window

• After 30 days with no dispute, funds are automatically transferred to the Seller's registered bank account

6.4 Automatic Seller Payments

After the 30-day dispute window expires without a dispute being raised, SoftMeet's automated system (cron job) processes payment to the Seller's verified bank account via Paystack transfer. No manual withdrawal action is required by the Seller. Sellers must have a verified bank account linked to their SoftMeet profile to receive payments.

6.5 Seller Bank Account Requirements

To receive marketplace payments, Sellers must:

• Link a valid South African bank account to their SoftMeet profile

• Allow up to 48 hours for bank account verification by Paystack

• Ensure account name matches their registered SoftMeet name

• Maintain a verified and active bank account at the time of payout

SoftMeet reserves the right to hold payments if the Seller's bank account is unverified, invalid, or has been flagged for suspicious activity.

6.6 Seller Responsibilities

Sellers agree to:

• Provide accurate and complete product descriptions

• Only list items they have the legal right to sell

• Fulfil orders within agreed or reasonable timeframes

• Respond to buyer queries and disputes promptly

• Comply with all applicable South African consumer protection laws

• List items that comply with SoftMeet's Acceptable Use Policy

6.7 Buyer Protections

Buyers are protected by:

• 30-day dispute window from date of purchase

• Automatic earnings freeze on Seller's account upon dispute

• SoftMeet admin investigation and mediation

• Paystack-processed refund to original payment method if dispute is upheld

7. MARKETPLACE DISPUTE RESOLUTION

7.1 Raising a Dispute

A Buyer may raise a dispute within 30 days of purchase if:

• The item was not received

• The item received does not match the description

• The item is defective or damaged

• The Seller has breached these Terms

Disputes must be raised through the SoftMeet mobile application. Upon raising a dispute, the Seller's earnings for the relevant transaction are immediately frozen pending investigation.

7.2 Dispute Investigation

SoftMeet will investigate all disputes within a reasonable timeframe. Both parties may be required to provide evidence including photographs, communication records, and proof of delivery. SoftMeet's decision on disputes is final and binding.

7.3 Dispute Outcomes

Following investigation, SoftMeet may:

• Refund the Buyer via Paystack to the original payment method

• Release funds to the Seller if the dispute is not upheld

• Partially refund the Buyer and partially release to the Seller

• Close the dispute without payment action where warranted

SoftMeet retains its 20% commission regardless of dispute outcome. Refunds are processed from Paystack and are subject to Paystack's refund timelines (typically 5-10 business days).

7.4 Dispute Abuse

Repeated or fraudulent dispute claims may result in account suspension, restriction from the Marketplace, or permanent termination of access to SoftMeet services.

8. EVENTS AND TICKETING

8.1 Event Organisers

Users may list paid events on SoftMeet and sell tickets through Paystack. SoftMeet retains 20% of all ticket sales. The remaining 80% is automatically paid to the Organiser's registered bank account immediately upon successful ticket purchase, minus Paystack's processing fees.

8.2 Organiser Responsibilities

Event Organisers agree to:

• Provide accurate event details including date, time, location, and description

• Honour all ticket sales and provide the advertised event

• Process refunds to ticket holders in the event of cancellation

• Comply with all applicable laws governing public events

8.3 Refund Policy for Events

Event ticket sales are generally non-refundable unless the event is cancelled by the Organiser. In the event of cancellation, the Organiser is responsible for processing refunds to ticket holders. SoftMeet is not liable for refunds arising from event cancellations.

8.4 No Dispute Window

Unlike marketplace transactions, event ticket sales are not subject to a 30-day dispute window. Payments are released immediately to the Organiser upon successful purchase.

9. CONTENT MONETIZATION

9.1 Creator Subscriptions

Eligible Users may enable content monetization, allowing their followers to subscribe to exclusive content. SoftMeet retains 20% of all subscription payments. The remaining 80% is automatically paid to the Creator's registered bank account immediately upon subscription, minus Paystack's processing fees.

9.2 Automatic Payments

All content monetization payments are processed automatically. No manual withdrawal is required. Creators must maintain a verified bank account to receive payments.

9.3 Subscription Refunds

Subscription fees are generally non-refundable once access to exclusive content has been granted. Refunds may be considered at SoftMeet's sole discretion in exceptional circumstances.

10. SOFTMEET COINS AND GIFTING

10.1 What Are Coins?

SoftMeet Coins are a virtual currency that can be purchased and used to gift Creators during live streams, reels, and group interactions. Coins have no monetary value outside the SoftMeet Platform and cannot be exchanged for cash by the purchaser.

10.2 Purchasing Coins

Coins are available for purchase through the SoftMeet wallet at the following rates:

• 100 Coins - R10 (Starter)

• 275 Coins - R20 (Popular, includes 25 bonus coins)

• 700 Coins - R40 (Value, includes 100 bonus coins)

• 1,800 Coins - R80 (Pro, includes 300 bonus coins)

• 5,000 Coins - R150 (Elite, includes 1,000 bonus coins)

• 13,000 Coins - R300 (Legend, includes 3,000 bonus coins)

All coin purchases are processed by Paystack and are non-refundable once purchased.

10.3 Gifting and Creator Earnings

When a User gifts Coins to a Creator, 80% of the coin value is credited to the Creator's earnings and automatically transferred to their registered bank account. SoftMeet retains 20% as platform commission. Paystack's processing fees are deducted from the Creator's 80% share.

Minimum gift amounts apply due to Paystack's minimum transfer limits. Gifts below the minimum threshold will accumulate until the threshold is reached.

10.4 Coin Purchases and Escrow

Coin purchase payments are held in a dedicated SoftMeet escrow account. Creator gift earnings are paid automatically from this escrow. SoftMeet's 20% commission is retained within the escrow and does not pass through any personal bank account.

10.5 No Manual Withdrawal

Creators do not need to manually withdraw gift earnings. All payments are processed automatically by SoftMeet's system upon each gifting transaction. Creators must maintain a verified bank account to receive payments.

10.6 Coin Expiry

Unused coins do not expire but have no cash value. Upon account termination, unused coins are forfeited and will not be refunded.

11. AFFILIATE PROGRAMME

11.1 How It Works

SoftMeet operates a multi-level affiliate programme. Users can earn commissions by referring new users to the Platform through their unique referral link.

11.2 Referral Link

Each User receives a unique referral link in the format: https://softmeet.co.za/?ref=[username]. When a new user registers using this link and purchases a subscription or tops up their wallet, the referring user earns a commission.

11.3 Commission Structure

Commissions are structured as follows based on the affiliate level setting configured in our system:

• Level 1 (Direct Referral): 10% of the referred user's payment

• Level 2 (Referral of Referral): 7.5% of payments

• Level 3: 5% of payments

• Level 4: 2.5% of payments

Commission rates may be adjusted by SoftMeet at any time with reasonable notice.

11.4 Registration Bonus

A flat fee registration bonus may be paid to the referring user when a new user registers via their referral link. This amount is configurable by SoftMeet and may be R0 if not activated.

11.5 Automatic Commission Payments

Affiliate commissions are paid automatically to the referring user's registered bank account upon each qualifying transaction. No manual withdrawal is required. The referring user must maintain a verified bank account to receive commissions. Minimum Paystack transfer limits apply.

11.6 Qualifying Transactions

Affiliate commissions are earned on:

• Wallet top-up payments by referred users

• Pro subscription purchases by referred users

• Recurring subscription renewals by referred users

11.7 Deep Linking

SoftMeet's referral links support deferred deep linking for Android (via Google Play Install Referrer), iOS (via App Store), and Huawei AppGallery devices. When a referred user downloads the app for the first time, the referral code is automatically detected and attributed to the referring user.

11.8 Affiliate Restrictions

The following are prohibited and will result in commission reversal and account suspension:

• Self-referral (referring your own alternate accounts)

• Fraudulent referrals using fake accounts

• Incentivising referrals through misleading representations of SoftMeet

• Automated or bulk referral generation

11.9 Commission Reversals

Commissions may be reversed if the referred user's payment is refunded, disputed, or found to be fraudulent.

12. FINANCIAL SERVICES AND COMPLIANCE

12.1 Anti-Money Laundering (AML)

SoftMeet complies with South African anti-money laundering regulations including the Financial Intelligence Centre Act (FICA). We monitor all transactions for suspicious activity and will report suspicious transactions to the Financial Intelligence Centre as required by law.

12.2 Know Your Customer (KYC)

SoftMeet may require identity verification for large transactions or withdrawal requests. Users must cooperate with KYC procedures. Failure to provide required documentation may result in suspension of financial services.

12.3 Tax Responsibilities

Users are solely responsible for reporting and paying all applicable taxes on earnings received through the SoftMeet Platform including VAT, income tax, and any other applicable levies. SoftMeet may issue tax documentation for earnings above statutory thresholds as required by SARS.

12.4 Record Keeping

Transaction records are maintained for a minimum of 5 years in compliance with South African financial regulations. Users may access their transaction history through the SoftMeet Platform.

12.5 POPIA Compliance

All personal and financial data collected by SoftMeet is processed in accordance with the Protection of Personal Information Act (POPIA) 4 of 2013. Financial data shared with Paystack is subject to Paystack's privacy policy and data processing agreements.

13. THIRD-PARTY SERVICE DEPENDENCIES

13.1 DigitalOcean Spaces

Media content (images, videos, audio) is stored on DigitalOcean Spaces infrastructure. SoftMeet is not liable for DigitalOcean service outages or data loss. Users acknowledge that media content is subject to DigitalOcean's terms of service.

13.2 Agora.io

Voice and video calls are powered by Agora.io. Call quality depends on Agora's infrastructure and your internet connection. SoftMeet is not liable for call quality issues or Agora service outages.

13.3 Paystack

All payment processing is handled by Paystack Payments (Pty) Ltd. SoftMeet is not liable for payment failures, processing delays, or security incidents arising from Paystack's systems. Users agree to Paystack's terms when making payments.

13.4 OneSignal

Push notifications are delivered via OneSignal for Android (FCM), iOS (APNs), and Huawei (HMS) devices. Notification delivery is not guaranteed and depends on device settings and network availability.

13.5 Firebase

Firebase Cloud Messaging (FCM) is used for push notifications on Android and iOS devices. SoftMeet is not liable for notification failures arising from Firebase service outages.

13.6 Huawei AppGallery

SoftMeet is available on Huawei AppGallery. Huawei device users receive push notifications via Huawei Mobile Services (HMS). SoftMeet is SITA-certified and maintains compliance with Huawei's developer requirements.

14. INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY

14.1 SoftMeet's Rights

Softtechz Technology (Pty) Ltd retains all rights, title, and interest in the SoftMeet Platform including software, algorithms, trademarks, logos, branding, and all proprietary technology. SITA certification (RFB2009) rights are maintained exclusively by Softtechz Technology (Pty) Ltd.

14.2 User Content

You retain ownership of content you upload. By uploading content, you grant SoftMeet a worldwide, non-exclusive, royalty-free licence to store, process, transmit, and display your content for service delivery purposes.

14.3 Content Restrictions

You warrant that all content you upload:

• Does not infringe on any third-party intellectual property rights

• Does not violate any applicable laws or regulations

• Is not defamatory, obscene, or harmful

• Does not contain malware or malicious code

15. PRIVACY AND DATA PROTECTION

Our Privacy Policy governs how we collect, use, and protect your personal information. Key principles:

• Text data is stored on SoftMeet servers located in South Africa where possible

• Media data is stored internationally via DigitalOcean Spaces

• Payment data is processed and stored exclusively by Paystack

• All data processing complies with POPIA

• We do not sell your personal information to third parties

By using SoftMeet, you consent to data processing as described in our Privacy Policy.

16. SERVICE AVAILABILITY

SoftMeet aims for maximum uptime but does not guarantee uninterrupted service. We reserve the right to:

• Perform scheduled and emergency maintenance

• Update features and functionality at our discretion

• Discontinue features with 30 days' notice where commercially reasonable

• Suspend or terminate accounts violating these Terms

SoftMeet is not liable for service interruptions caused by third-party providers, network outages, or circumstances beyond our reasonable control.

17. LIMITATION OF LIABILITY

TO THE MAXIMUM EXTENT PERMITTED BY SOUTH AFRICAN LAW:

• SoftMeet's total aggregate liability is limited to the greater of R1,000 or fees paid in the preceding 12 months

• SoftMeet is not liable for indirect, incidental, consequential, or punitive damages

• SoftMeet is not liable for third-party service failures, payment processing errors, or network outages

• SoftMeet is not liable for data charges incurred through Platform usage

• SoftMeet is not liable for loss of earnings due to service interruptions

• SoftMeet is not liable for unauthorised access to your account if caused by your failure to maintain security

18. INDEMNIFICATION

You agree to indemnify and hold harmless Softtechz Technology (Pty) Ltd, its directors, employees, agents, and affiliates from any claims, losses, damages, and expenses (including legal fees) arising from:

• Your violation of these Terms

• Content you upload or share on the Platform

• Your fraudulent or illegal activities

• Your violation of any third-party rights

• False or fraudulent dispute claims

• Tax obligations arising from your earnings on the Platform

19. ACCOUNT TERMINATION

19.1 User Termination

You may terminate your account at any time through account settings or by contacting support@softmeet.co.za. Outstanding marketplace earnings will be paid out upon account verification and resolution of any pending disputes.

19.2 SoftMeet Termination

SoftMeet may suspend or terminate your account immediately for:

• Violation of these Terms or our Acceptable Use Policy

• Fraudulent activity or false dispute claims

• Failure to comply with KYC/AML requirements

• Legal or regulatory requirements

• Non-payment of any amounts owed to SoftMeet

19.3 Effect of Termination

Upon termination, access to services ceases immediately. Pending marketplace payments in escrow will be processed according to these Terms. Unused Coins are forfeited. Data deletion follows our Privacy Policy and legal retention requirements.

20. GOVERNING LAW AND DISPUTE RESOLUTION

20.1 Governing Law

These Terms are governed by the laws of the Republic of South Africa, including the Consumer Protection Act 68 of 2008, the Electronic Communications and Transactions Act 25 of 2002, POPIA, and FICA.

20.2 Jurisdiction

Any disputes arising from these Terms will be resolved exclusively in the courts of South Africa. You consent to personal jurisdiction in South Africa.

20.3 Arbitration

For disputes not exceeding R100,000, either party may elect binding arbitration under the Arbitration Foundation of Southern Africa (AFSA) in Johannesburg.

20.4 Limitation Period

Claims must be brought within one (1) year of the cause of action arising or will be permanently barred.

21. GENERAL PROVISIONS

21.1 Modifications

SoftMeet may update these Terms at any time. Material changes will be notified via email or in-app notice. Continued use after notification constitutes acceptance of the updated Terms.

21.2 Severability

If any provision is found unenforceable, the remaining Terms continue in full force. The unenforceable provision will be modified to reflect the parties' original intent.

21.3 Force Majeure

Neither party is liable for failure or delay caused by circumstances beyond reasonable control including load shedding, network outages, acts of God, or government actions.

21.4 Entire Agreement

These Terms together with our Privacy Policy constitute the entire agreement between you and SoftMeet, superseding all prior agreements.

22. CONTACT INFORMATION

For questions about these Terms:

• Company: Softtechz Technology (Pty) Ltd

• Trading As: SoftMeet

• Address: Unit 7, 49 De Havilland Crescent, Persequor, Pretoria, South Africa

• Email: support@softmeet.co.za

• Legal: legal@softmeet.co.za

• Website: https://softmeet.co.za

• SITA Certification: RFB2009