1. About OurNews

OurNews Online (PTY) LTD (“OurNews”, “we”, “us”) is a digital platform offering community-focused services and content, including obituary creation, digital memorial pages, location-sharing tools, multimedia services, and streaming content.

2. Eligibility & Use of the Site

You may use OurNews only if you can legally enter into a binding agreement. You agree to use the platform responsibly, respectfully, and in compliance with all applicable South African laws.

• Do not misuse or attempt to disrupt the platform.
• Do not use OurNews for unlawful, abusive, or harmful purposes.
• Do not submit false or misleading information.

3. User Content & Permissions

Some parts of OurNews allow you to submit content (such as names, funeral details, text, photos, videos, and tributes). When you submit content, you confirm that you have permission to share it, and that it does not violate the rights of others.

• You have consent or authority to submit personal information.
• You will not submit content that infringes privacy, dignity, or copyright.
• You understand content may be accessed by anyone you share the link with.

4. Acceptable Use

By using OurNews, you agree that you will not:

• Post content that is defamatory, threatening, harassing, or discriminatory.
• Impersonate another person or misrepresent your relationship to a family.
• Share private information without authorisation.
• Upload malware or attempt unauthorised access.
• Scrape or extract data without consent.

5. Service Availability & Changes

We aim to keep OurNews reliable and accessible, but we do not guarantee uninterrupted access. We may update or change features to improve the platform or for operational reasons.

6. Accuracy, Tools & AI Output

Some features may use automated tools (including AI-assisted writing) to help generate or format content. You remain responsible for reviewing and confirming all details before publishing or sharing.

• Verify names, dates, funeral details, and locations before publishing publicly.
• OurNews is not responsible for errors caused by incorrect information submitted by users.

7. Payments & Third-Party Links

Some OurNews services may be paid services, while others may be free. Where payments are required, you agree to provide accurate information and authorise the transaction. OurNews may also include third-party links or embedded content (such as YouTube).

8. Intellectual Property

The OurNews name, branding, website design, and content are owned by OurNews or licensed to us. You may not copy or distribute OurNews materials for commercial purposes without written permission.

9. Multimedia Services Terms & Conditions

The following additional terms apply when you book multimedia services from OurNews (including Photography, Videography, Live Streaming, Sound, LED Screens, and related media services). Services will be rendered strictly as per the issued invoice.

Delivery Timelines

• Photography: Delivered within 3 days after the event.
• Videography: Delivered within 14 days after the event.

Service Duration

• Each on-site service covers up to 6 hours.
• Additional time may result in an extra charge.

Live Streaming

• Live streaming performance depends on available network strength and venue conditions.
• In the event of network failure, OurNews may rebroadcast the service online as soon as reasonably possible.

Client Responsibilities

The Client agrees to provide:

• Reliable electricity within 10 metres of the media setup.
• Venue access and any required permissions.
• Meals for OurNews staff during the event.
• Reasonable safety and security for OurNews personnel and equipment.
• Clear instructions and briefings prior to the event.

Payment Terms

• Deposit: 50% (non-refundable) required to confirm the booking.
• Balance: Payable 48 hours before the event.
• Payment Methods: EFT to OurNews FNB or Capitec Business Accounts.
• Late Payment: May result in cancellation and forfeiture of the deposit.

Rescheduling & Cancellation

• Rescheduling must be requested at least 3 days before the event (subject to availability).
• Cancellation 7 or more days before the event: 50% charge.
• Cancellation within 7 days of the event: 100% charge.
• If OurNews cancels the booking, the full deposit will be refunded.

General Multimedia Terms

• OurNews may use media for marketing/promotional purposes unless the Client objects in writing.
• OurNews retains creative and editorial rights over all produced media.
• OurNews is not liable for delays caused by power failures, weather, or circumstances beyond our control.
• This agreement is governed by the laws of the Republic of South Africa.

10. Content Removal & Takedown Process

If you believe content on OurNews should be removed (incorrect info, privacy concerns, lack of consent), you may submit a takedown request.

• Email your request to info@ournews.co.za with the content URL.
• Explain the reason for removal and provide supporting information.
• We may request verification or proof of authority where appropriate.

11. Limitation of Liability

OurNews provides services on an “as-is” basis. To the maximum extent allowed by law, OurNews is not liable for loss or damages arising from the use of the platform, including reliance on user-submitted content.

12. Governing Law

These Terms are governed by the laws of the Republic of South Africa. Disputes will be handled in the appropriate South African courts.

13. Contact Us

• Email: info@ournews.co.za
• Phone/WhatsApp: +27 63 145 2504
• Website: ournews.co.za