SoftMeet Terms and Conditions

Last Updated: 22 September 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 designed to help South Africans communicate, including people with limited or no data.

1. DEFINITIONS

 
• "Platform" means the SoftMeet mobile application, website, 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 receives gifts on the Platform.

 
• "Organiser" means a User who lists and sells tickets for events on the Platform.

 
• "Advertiser" means a User or business that pays to promote content, products or services on the Platform.

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

 
• "Wallet" means the SoftMeet account balance a User tops up with real money for use within the Platform.

 
• "Coins" means the in-app units a User buys with real money and uses to send gifts to Creators.

 
• "Earnings" means money owed to a User from gifts, marketplace sales, event tickets or referrals.

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

 
• "Escrow" means the temporary holding of marketplace funds pending release to the Seller or refund to the Buyer.

 
• "Commission" means the 20% retained by SoftMeet on marketplace sales, event tickets and gifts.

 
• "Transaction Fees" means the fees charged by Paystack or an app store to process a payment or pay money out to a bank account.

 
• "Lerato" means SoftMeet's AI assistant.

2. DATA USAGE

2.1 Data-Free Services

SoftMeet aims to make the following services available without data charges, but only where SoftMeet has an agreement in place with your mobile network operator:

 
• Text messaging and chat communication

 
• Basic profile management (text-based information)

 
• Website navigation and account management

 
• User authentication and login processes

Data-free access is available in South Africa only. Outside South Africa, SoftMeet uses your own internet connection (mobile data or Wi-Fi), and any charges are set by your own network provider.

2.2 Data-Required Services

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

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

 
• Media viewing and download

 
• Voice and video calls

 
• Go Live streaming and viewing

 
• File sharing and document uploads

 
• Marketplace browsing with product images

 
• Wallet top-ups, coin purchases and gifting

 
• Event ticket purchases

 
• Pro plan payments

 
• New user registration, including OTP verification by SMS or email

 
• All payment transactions

2.3 Data-Free Clarification

Data-free access is not guaranteed. It depends on your mobile network operator, your network and your account type, and may not apply when you are roaming, connected through Wi-Fi, a VPN or a proxy, or using a network without an agreement with SoftMeet. Network operators may change or end these arrangements at any time without notice. Some content inside data-free features, such as images, videos, links or adverts, may still use data. First-time registration requiring OTP verification by SMS or email is not data-free. 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 Data-Required 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, including a real email address

 
• 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

 
• Impersonate SoftMeet, another person or a business

 
• Engage in fraudulent activity including false dispute claims

 
• Use the Platform to facilitate money laundering or financial crimes

5. PAYMENT PROCESSING

5.1 Paystack as Payment Processor

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. Coins may also be bought through the Apple App Store, Google Play or Huawei AppGallery, in which case that store processes the payment under its own terms. By making any payment on SoftMeet, you agree to Paystack's terms of service and privacy policy available at https://paystack.com/za/terms, or to the relevant app store's terms.

SoftMeet does not store your card details. All card data is 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 Verification

SoftMeet verifies every payment before the related service, product, coins or ticket is provided.

6. WALLET, COINS, GIFTS AND EARNINGS

6.1 Wallet

You can top up your SoftMeet wallet through Paystack. Wallet funds can only be used within SoftMeet, for example to buy Pro plans. Wallet funds cannot be withdrawn, transferred to a bank account or refunded.

6.2 Coins

Coins are bought with real money through Paystack or your app store. Your coin balance is shown on your wallet screen, and current coin packages and prices are shown in the app. You use Coins to send gifts to Creators during live streams, reels, and group interactions. Coins you have bought cannot be withdrawn, exchanged for cash or refunded.

6.3 Gifts and Creator Earnings

When you send a gift, the Creator receives 80% of its value as Earnings, less Transaction Fees. SoftMeet retains its full 20%.

6.4 Automatic Payouts

Earnings from gifts, marketplace sales, event tickets and referrals are paid out automatically to your verified South African bank account through Paystack, less Transaction Fees. No manual withdrawal is required. Payouts may be grouped (for example, daily) to reduce Transaction Fees. If you have not yet added and verified a bank account, your Earnings are kept on your SoftMeet account and paid automatically once you do. All payouts are subject to Paystack's processing times.

6.5 Coins on Account Closure

Unused Coins do not expire. If your account is closed or terminated, unused Coins and wallet funds are forfeited and will not be refunded. Earnings owed to you are paid out as set out in section 21.

7. SOFTMEET PRO PLANS

SoftMeet offers Pro plans (Star, Hot, Ultima and VIP), paid to SoftMeet through Paystack or your wallet. Pro plans renew monthly unless you cancel. Cancelling stops the next renewal; you keep your Pro features until the end of the month you have paid for. Payments for a month that has started are non-refundable. Where you joined through an Affiliate, that Affiliate may earn a commission on your Pro plan.

8. MARKETPLACE TERMS

8.1 How the Marketplace Works

The SoftMeet Marketplace enables Users to buy and sell physical and digital products. SoftMeet connects Buyers and Sellers and is not a party to any transaction between them. SoftMeet does not hold or supply any goods; the Seller is responsible for the goods they sell.

8.2 SoftMeet Commission

SoftMeet retains 20% of every marketplace sale. The Seller receives 80% of the sale price, less Transaction Fees (including the payment fee and the payout fee).

8.3 Escrow and 30-Day Hold

All marketplace payments are held in escrow for 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 paid to the Seller's verified bank account

8.4 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 the 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.

8.5 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

8.6 Returns

If a Buyer returns an item, it must be returned in the same condition and packaging in which it was received.

8.7 Buyer Protections

Buyers are protected by:

 
• A 30-day dispute window from the date of purchase

 
• An automatic freeze on the Seller's earnings for that order when a dispute is raised

 
• SoftMeet investigation and mediation

 
• A refund of 80% of the purchase price to the original payment method if the dispute is upheld

9. MARKETPLACE DISPUTE RESOLUTION

9.1 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. When a dispute is raised, the Seller's earnings for that transaction are frozen pending investigation. Refunds are available only through a dispute raised within the 30-day window.

9.2 Dispute Investigation

SoftMeet may investigate a dispute to confirm that the Buyer and the Seller each did what was required. Both parties may be asked to provide evidence, including photographs, communication records, and proof of delivery or return.

9.3 Dispute Outcomes

Following investigation, SoftMeet may:

 
• Refund the Buyer 80% of the purchase price to the original payment method via Paystack

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

 
• Partially refund the Buyer and partially release funds to the Seller

 
• Close the dispute without payment action where warranted

SoftMeet retains its 20% commission regardless of the dispute outcome. Refunds are subject to Paystack's refund timelines (typically 5 to 10 business days). Nothing in this section limits any rights a Buyer has under the Consumer Protection Act.

9.4 Dispute Abuse

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

10. EVENTS AND TICKETING

10.1 Event Organisers

Users may list paid events on SoftMeet and sell tickets through Paystack. SoftMeet retains 20% of every ticket sale. The Organiser receives 80%, less Transaction Fees, paid automatically to their verified bank account.

10.2 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

10.3 Refund Policy for Events

Event ticket sales are non-refundable unless the event is cancelled by the Organiser. If an event is cancelled, the Organiser is responsible for refunding ticket holders. SoftMeet is not liable for refunds arising from event cancellations.

10.4 No Dispute Window

Unlike marketplace transactions, event ticket sales are not subject to a 30-day dispute window.

11. ADVERTISING

11.1 Placing Adverts

Users and businesses may pay to advertise on SoftMeet. Adverts may be shown inside the app, sent as notifications (including to people in a chosen area based on location), and sent by email. SoftMeet may review, reject or remove any advert that breaches these Terms or the law.

11.2 Advertiser Responsibilities

Advertisers agree to:

 
• Provide accurate, lawful and truthful advert content

 
• Include their own contact details in the advert for customers to reach them

 
• Only advertise products and services they have the legal right to offer

 
• Not use adverts to mislead, scam or collect personal information from Users

11.3 How Adverts Are Sent

Advert emails are sent from SoftMeet's no-reply address, show that they are sent on behalf of the Advertiser, and include a way for Users to stop receiving promotional email. Advertisers do not receive Users' email addresses or phone numbers.

11.4 Identity Verification for Advertisers

SoftMeet may ask individuals to verify their identity, and businesses to provide company registration documents, before an advert is approved.

11.5 Advert Refunds

Advertising purchases are non-refundable once an advert has been sent or has started reaching the SoftMeet community.

12. AFFILIATE PROGRAMME

12.1 How It Works

SoftMeet operates a multi-level affiliate programme of up to 4 levels. Users can earn commissions by referring new users to the Platform through their unique referral link.

12.2 Referral Link

Each User receives a unique referral link in the format: https://softmeet.co.za/?ref=[username].

12.3 What Affiliates Earn

Affiliates may earn a fixed amount when a referred person registers, and a percentage of qualifying purchases made by referred users. The current amounts and percentages for each level are set by SoftMeet and shown in the app. SoftMeet may change them at any time with reasonable notice.

12.4 Qualifying Transactions

Affiliate commissions are earned on:

 
• Wallet top-ups by referred users

 
• Pro plan purchases and monthly renewals by referred users

12.5 Automatic Commission Payments

Affiliate commissions are paid automatically to the referring User's verified bank account, as set out in section 6.4. No manual withdrawal is required.

12.6 Deep Linking

SoftMeet's referral links support deferred deep linking on Android, iOS and Huawei devices. When a referred user installs the app for the first time, the referral is automatically attributed to the referring User.

12.7 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

12.8 Commission Reversals

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

13. LERATO AND FINANCIAL TOOLS

13.1 Lerato

Lerato is SoftMeet's AI assistant and provides support and information to Users and Advertisers. Lerato's answers may not always be accurate or complete. For account, payment or legal matters, confirm with support@softmeet.co.za.

13.2 Imali and Stokvel Tools

SoftMeet's financial planning and stokvel tools help you organise your own information. They are for information only and are not financial advice.

14. FINANCIAL SERVICES AND COMPLIANCE

14.1 Anti-Money Laundering (AML)

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

14.2 Identity Verification (KYC)

SoftMeet may require identity verification before you receive payouts, advertise as an individual, or receive a verified badge. Businesses may verify using company registration documents. Failure to provide required documentation may result in payouts or financial services being held. Verification documents are deleted automatically after 30 days, as set out in our Privacy Policy.

14.3 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.

14.4 Record Keeping

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

14.5 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.

15. THIRD-PARTY SERVICE DEPENDENCIES

15.1 DigitalOcean Spaces

Media content (images, videos, audio) is stored on DigitalOcean Spaces infrastructure. SoftMeet is not liable for DigitalOcean service outages or data loss.

15.2 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.

15.3 Paystack

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.

15.4 Push Notifications

Push notifications are delivered through Firebase Cloud Messaging (Android and iOS), Apple Push Notification Service (iOS), Huawei Mobile Services (Huawei) and OneSignal. Notification delivery is not guaranteed and depends on device settings, network availability and these providers.

15.5 SMS and Email Providers

One-time passwords are sent through third-party SMS and email providers. Delivery depends on these providers and your network.

16. INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY

16.1 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 held exclusively by Softtechz Technology (Pty) Ltd.

16.2 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.

16.3 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

17. 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

 
• Private messages and group chat messages are encrypted before they are stored on our servers

 
• Media data is stored internationally via DigitalOcean Spaces

 
• Card data is processed and stored by Paystack, never by SoftMeet

 
• Your contact list stays on your device and is never uploaded to our servers

 
• 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.

18. COMMUNICATIONS FROM SOFTMEET

SoftMeet sends account emails (such as verification codes and password resets), service notices and promotional messages. These are sent from no-reply@softmeet.co.za, which is not monitored. For help, contact support@softmeet.co.za. You can stop promotional email at any time in your account settings, and switch off notifications in your phone's settings. Account and security emails cannot be switched off while your account is active.

19. 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.

20. LIMITATION OF LIABILITY AND INDEMNIFICATION

20.1 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

 
• SoftMeet is not liable for the goods, services, events or adverts offered by Sellers, Organisers or Advertisers

20.2 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 or adverts 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

21. ACCOUNT TERMINATION

21.1 User Termination

You may close your account at any time through account settings or by contacting support@softmeet.co.za. Earnings owed to you are paid to your verified bank account once any pending disputes are resolved.

21.2 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 identity verification or AML requirements

 
• Legal or regulatory requirements

 
• Non-payment of any amounts owed to SoftMeet

21.3 Effect of Termination

Upon termination, access to services ends immediately. Marketplace payments in escrow are processed according to these Terms. Unused Coins and wallet funds are forfeited. Data deletion follows our Privacy Policy and legal retention requirements.

22. GOVERNING LAW AND DISPUTE RESOLUTION

22.1 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.

22.2 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.

22.3 Arbitration

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

22.4 Limitation Period

Claims must be brought within one (1) year of the cause of action arising, to the extent permitted by law.

23. GENERAL PROVISIONS

23.1 Modifications

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

23.2 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.

23.3 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.

23.4 Entire Agreement

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

24. 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

Emails from no-reply@softmeet.co.za are not monitored. Please use support@softmeet.co.za.

© 2026 Softtechz Technology (Pty) Ltd. All rights reserved. | Effective: 22 September 2026