WhatsApp Terms of Service
Effective Date: 31 May 2026
These WhatsApp Terms of Service ("WhatsApp Terms") govern the use of the WhatsApp communication services provided by Star Systems (Pty) Ltd ("we," "us," or "our"). By opting in to receive WhatsApp messages from us, you agree to these WhatsApp Terms, as well as our standard Privacy Policy, which is available at Privacy Policy.
If you do not agree to these WhatsApp Terms, please do not opt-in to receive WhatsApp communications from us, or opt-out immediately if you have already opted in.
1. Description of Service
Through our WhatsApp channel, we may send you various types of messages, which may include:
- Customer Support: Automated conversational responses and live support assisting you with your inquiries.
- Transactional Updates: Crucial service notifications, order/request confirmations, schedule updates, and security alerts.
- Marketing Messages: Promotional announcements, feature rollouts, and relevant system updates (only where explicit prior consent has been provided).
2. User Consent and Opt-In
By providing your phone number and opting in to receive messages from us via our website, client portals, conversational widgets, or by sending us an initial message directly on WhatsApp, you consent to receive WhatsApp messages from Star Systems (Pty) Ltd.
Network Cost Notice: Standard message and data rates from your mobile network operator (such as Vodacom, MTN, Telkom, Cell C, or international carriers) may apply for receiving and transmitting text/media.
3. Opt-Out and Re-Opt-In Policy
We deeply respect your preferences regarding digital communication. Our platform uses automated API workflows to handle subscriptions instantly and correctly:
How to Opt-Out
You can opt-out of receiving future WhatsApp messages at any time by simply replying with the word "STOP", "UNSUBSCRIBE", or "CANCEL" to any of our WhatsApp messages.
No OTP Required
Our API will process your opt-out request automatically and instantly blacklist your number from outbound campaigns. You will not be required to enter any One-Time Pin (OTP), click arbitrary links, or complete any additional verification steps to stop receiving messages. We guarantee frictionless opt-outs.
Automatic Re-Opt-In
If you have previously opted out but subsequently initiate a new conversation or message us first on WhatsApp, our platform will recognize this active engagement as a request to communicate. By starting a new chat, you consent to be automatically opted back in so our agents and automated systems can respond to your queries.
4. Message Frequency
The frequency of WhatsApp messages you receive will vary dynamically based on your ongoing interactions with us, transactional activity, and specific service requests. We strictly do not engage in spamming or bulk-unsolicited transmissions, keeping communications focused specifically on your service and operational needs.
5. Acceptable Use and User Conduct
When communicating with us via WhatsApp, you agree to refrain from sending any offensive, abusive, defamatory, threatening, vulgar, or unlawful content, or any unsolicited advertising materials (spam). We reserve the absolute right to suspend, terminate, or block communication channels with any user who violates these interaction standards.
6. Privacy and Protection of Personal Information (POPIA)
Your personal information, including your phone number, contact name, and chat transcripts, is handled with extreme care in strict accordance with the Protection of Personal Information Act (POPIA), No. 4 of 2013 of South Africa, and our standard Privacy Policy, which is accessible at Privacy Policy.
Third-Party Platform Disclosure: Please note that WhatsApp is a third-party messaging platform owned and operated by Meta Platforms, Inc. Your use of the WhatsApp application is subject to Meta's own terms, end-user agreements, and privacy policies.
7. Disclaimers and Limitation of Liability
Delivery Disclaimer
We rely on third-party telecommunications networks, authorized business API providers, and Meta's global server infrastructure. We cannot guarantee the absolute delivery, uptime, or timeliness of messages, as transmission may be affected by cellular network congestion, network operator spam-filtering policies, internet outages, or technical limitations beyond our reasonable control.
Limitation of Liability
To the maximum extent permitted by applicable law (including the South African Consumer Protection Act, No. 68 of 2008), Star Systems (Pty) Ltd shall not be liable for any direct, indirect, special, incidental, or consequential damages resulting from any delays, delivery failures, system downtimes, or communication errors in sending or receiving WhatsApp messages.
8. Contact Information
For any queries, feedback, compliance requests, or concerns regarding these terms, please contact our designated Information Officer:
9. General Payment and Merchant Terms (Payfast Compliance)
As part of Star Systems (Pty) Ltd’s global service framework, payment processing for subscriptions, services, and transactions is governed by the following standardized merchant terms:
- Detailed description of goods and/or services: Star Systems is a business in the software development and SaaS (Software as a Service) industry that designs, develops, and distributes digital operating systems, utility applications, and secure cloud-native platforms.
- Delivery policy: Subject to availability and receipt of payment, requests/subscriptions will be processed within 1 to 2 business days, and delivery of service will be confirmed via a digital welcome email containing account setup or access instructions. For customized monthly subscriptions, additional ad-hoc services, or custom development projects, provisioning timelines and service delivery schedules will be governed by the specific terms, milestones, and deliverables outlined in the corresponding Statement of Work (SOW), Proposal, or Service Level Agreement (SLA).
- Export restriction: The offering on this website is available to South African and international clients. However, all transactions are processed in South African Rand (ZAR).
- Return and Refunds policy: The provision of goods and services by Star Systems is subject to availability. In cases of unavailability, Star Systems will refund the client in full within 30 days. Cancellation of orders or monthly subscriptions by the client is subject to the terms and cancellation fees defined in the individual client's Service Level Agreement (SLA) and refund policy.
- Customer Privacy policy: Star Systems shall take all reasonable steps to protect the personal information of users. For the purpose of this clause, "personal information" shall be defined as detailed in the Protection of Personal Information Act 4 of 2013 (POPIA). To view our full Privacy Policy, please go to Privacy Policy.
- Payment options accepted: Payment may be made via Visa and MasterCard, or by bank transfer into the Star Systems bank account. Transactions and card payments can be processed on any of our official websites or directly via secure payment links on our official invoices. If you need to confirm payment details or request verification of our bank details, please email us at kevinkoekemoer@starsystems.co.za.
- Card acquiring and security: Card transactions will be acquired for Star Systems via Payfast (Pty) Ltd, who are the approved payment gateway for all South African Acquiring Banks. Payfast uses the strictest form of encryption, namely Secure Socket Layer 3 (SSL3), and no Card details are stored on the website. Users may go to www.payfast.io to view their security certificate and security policy.
- Customer details separate from card details: Customer details will be stored by Star Systems separately from card details which are entered by the client on Payfast’s secure site. For more details on Payfast refer to www.payfast.io.
- Merchant Outlet country and transaction currency: The merchant outlet country at the time of presenting payment options to the cardholder is South Africa. Transaction currency is South African Rand (ZAR).
- Responsibility: Star Systems takes responsibility for all aspects relating to the transaction including sale of goods and services sold on this website, customer service and support, dispute resolution and delivery of goods/services.
- Country of domicile: This website is governed by the laws of South Africa and Star Systems chooses as its domicilium citandi et executandi for all purposes under this agreement, whether in respect of court process, notice, or other documents or communication of whatsoever nature.
- Variation: Star Systems may, in its sole discretion, change this agreement or any part thereof at any time without notice.
- Company information: This website is run by Star Systems (Pty) Ltd based in South Africa with registration number 2025/207472/07.
- Star Systems contact details: Physical Address: 153 Glover Ave, Centurion, GP, RSA, 0157. Email: kevinkoekemoer@starsystems.co.za. Telephone: +27 (0)84 078-5561.