Cookie Policy
Last Updated: 3 July 2026
This Cookie Policy explains how Votera (Pty) Ltd ("Votera", "we", "us") uses cookies and similar technologies (such as local storage) when you visit or use our platform at votera.co.za. It should be read together with our Privacy Policy, which describes how we process personal information in accordance with the Protection of Personal Information Act 4 of 2013 ("POPIA").
1. What Are Cookies?
Cookies are small text files placed on your device when you visit a website. They allow the site to recognise your device, remember your preferences, and understand how you use the site. We also use browser local storage, which serves a similar purpose but is not sent to our servers with every request.
2. Strictly Necessary Cookies
These are required for the platform to function and cannot be switched off. They are set in response to actions you take, such as logging in or saving your preferences. No consent is required for these under applicable law.
| Name | Purpose | Duration |
|---|---|---|
| payload-token | Keeps you signed in to your account (authentication session) | Session / up to 2 hours |
| votera-cookie-consent | Remembers whether you accepted or declined analytics cookies (local storage) | Persistent |
| theme preference | Remembers your light/dark mode setting (local storage) | Persistent |
| Cloudflare Turnstile | Protects our login and registration forms against automated abuse | Session |
3. Analytics Cookies (Consent Required)
With your consent, we use the following third-party analytics services to understand how visitors use our site and to improve the product. These are only loaded after you click "Accept" on our cookie notice. If you decline, they are not loaded at all.
| Provider | Cookies | Purpose |
|---|---|---|
| Google Analytics / Tag Manager | _ga, _ga_*, _gid | Visitor statistics: pages viewed, session duration, approximate location (city level), device type |
| Hotjar | _hjSession*, _hjSessionUser* | Anonymised usage insights such as heatmaps and session behaviour, used to improve usability |
4. Cookieless Measurement
We use Vercel Analytics and Speed Insights for aggregate performance measurement. These services do not use cookies and do not track individual visitors across sites. We also record anonymous page-view counts on our own servers to understand which features are used; this does not involve cookies or third parties.
5. Payment Processing
Subscription payments are processed by PayFast. When you are redirected to PayFast to complete a payment, PayFast may set its own cookies on its domain, governed by PayFast's own privacy and cookie terms. Votera does not control these cookies.
6. Managing Your Preferences
You are always in control of non-essential cookies:
- Decline on the banner: If you click "Decline" on our cookie notice, no analytics cookies are set.
- Change your mind: Clear this site's data in your browser settings and the cookie notice will appear again on your next visit, letting you choose afresh.
- Browser controls: All major browsers allow you to block or delete cookies. Note that blocking strictly necessary cookies will prevent you from logging in.
7. Changes to This Policy
We may update this Cookie Policy when our use of cookies changes. The "Last Updated" date at the top of this page reflects the most recent revision. Material changes will be highlighted via the cookie notice.
8. Contact Us
Questions about this policy or our use of personal information can be sent to privacy@votera.co.za. You also have the right to lodge a complaint with the Information Regulator of South Africa.
This Cookie Policy was drafted with reference to South African statutory requirements (POPIA and ECTA). It should be reviewed and ratified by your retained legal counsel before reliance. This document does not constitute formal legal advice.