1. What Are Cookies?
Cookies are small text files stored on your device (computer, tablet, or mobile phone) when you visit a website. They allow the website to recognize your device, remember your preferences, and improve your browsing experience.
Cookies may be:
- Session cookies: temporary files that are deleted when you close your browser.
- Persistent cookies: remain on your device for a set period or until deleted.
- First-party cookies: placed by our website.
- Third-party cookies: placed by external services we use (e.g., Google Analytics).
2. How We Use Cookies
We use cookies to:
- Improve Website Functionality: ensuring features such as appointment booking and contact forms work correctly.
- Enhance User Experience: remembering your preferences, like language or form inputs.
- Analytics & Performance: tracking how visitors use our site to help us improve content and usability.
- Security & Protection: helping detect suspicious activity and maintain website integrity.
3. Types of Cookies We Use
a) Strictly Necessary Cookies
These are essential for the website to function. Without them, services like online appointment booking may not work.
b) Performance & Analytics Cookies
These collect anonymous data about how visitors use our site, such as which pages are visited most often. We use tools like Google Analytics to understand usage trends.
c) Functionality Cookies
These remember choices you make, such as your preferred settings, so the site feels more personalized.
d) Advertising & Third-Party Cookies
While we do not run advertisements, some third-party tools (such as embedded maps, videos, or analytics) may set their own cookies to function properly.
4. Third-Party Cookies
Some cookies may come from trusted third parties, including:
- Google Analytics: to track site traffic and performance.
- Embedded Content Providers: such as YouTube (for educational videos) or Google Maps (for location services).
We do not control third-party cookies. Please review their respective policies for more details.
5. Managing & Controlling Cookies
You have the right to decide whether to accept or reject cookies. You can:
- Adjust your browser settings to block or delete cookies.
- Use “private” or “incognito” browsing modes.
- Opt out of Google Analytics tracking with a browser add-on.
Note: Disabling cookies may affect the functionality of our website, and some features (like booking forms) may not work correctly.
6. Data Protection & Privacy
Cookies may collect information that is considered personal data under South African law (POPIA). Any personal information gathered through cookies is handled in accordance with our Privacy Policy, ensuring transparency, security, and respect for your rights.
7. Updates to This Policy
We may update this Cookies Policy from time to time to reflect changes in technology, law, or our practices. Updates will be posted on this page with a revised effective date. We encourage you to review this Policy regularly.
12. Contact Information
If you have questions or concerns about our use of cookies, please contact us:
Dr. Songabau’s Practice