Black Business Growth Initiative (BBGI)
Website: https://www.bbgi.co.za/
Effective Date: 23 Agust 2024

1. INTRODUCTION

This Refund Policy governs all refund-related matters for events, tickets, campaigns, and related services facilitated through the Black Business Growth Initiative (BBGI) platform.

By using the BBGI platform, users agree to the terms outlined in this Refund Policy.

2. GENERAL PRINCIPLE

BBGI operates primarily as a digital platform and facilitator.

Unless otherwise stated, event organisers and campaign creators are solely responsible for handling refunds related to their events, ticket sales, or fundraising activities.

BBGI does not automatically issue refunds on behalf of third-party organisers.

3. EVENT REFUNDS

3.1 Refund Requests

Attendees may request a refund no later than 10 (ten) days before the scheduled event date.

Refund requests submitted after this period are not guaranteed and are subject to the organiser’s discretion.

3.2 Organiser Responsibility

The event organiser is fully responsible for:

• Setting refund eligibility conditions

• Processing approved refunds

• Communicating refund decisions to attendees

• Ensuring compliance with applicable consumer protection laws

BBGI is not liable for refund disputes between organisers and attendees.

3.3 Late Requests

Refund requests made within 10 days of the event date:

• May be declined

• Are handled directly by the organiser

• Are not guaranteed by BBGI

3.4 Event Cancellations

If an event is cancelled:

• The organiser remains responsible for issuing refunds

• Refund terms communicated at the point of registration apply

• BBGI may assist in communication but is not financially responsible

4. TICKET SALES

Where BBGI facilitates ticket sales:

• BBGI acts only as a platform intermediary

• The organiser remains the merchant of record

• All refund obligations rest with the organiser

5. CAMPAIGNS AND DONATIONS

5.1 Donations

All donations made through campaigns are generally:

• Non-refundable, as they are voluntary contributions

5.2 Exceptions

Refunds for donations may only be considered if:

• A technical error occurred during payment

• The transaction was processed incorrectly

Such cases must be reported promptly to BBGI.

6. PROCESSING OF REFUNDS

Where refunds are approved by the organiser:

• Refunds must be processed through the original payment method

• Processing times may vary depending on payment providers

• BBGI is not responsible for banking or processing delays

7. CONSUMER PROTECTION (CPA SOUTH AFRICA) COMPLIANCE

BBGI operates in alignment with the Consumer Protection Act 68 of 2008 (CPA) of South Africa, where applicable.

7.1 Fair, Reasonable, and Transparent Terms

BBGI and all listed organisers must ensure that:

• Refund, cancellation, and service terms are clear and accessible

• No unfair, unjust, or unreasonable terms are imposed on consumers

• Consumers are adequately informed before purchase or registration

7.2 Cooling-Off Rights (Where Applicable)

Where applicable under CPA provisions, consumers may be entitled to cancel certain transactions within a statutory cooling-off period.

However, this may not apply to:

• Time-specific events scheduled for a fixed date

• Services tied to a specific event or booking window

7.3 Unfair Contract Terms

BBGI does not permit the use of terms that:

• Mislead or deceive consumers

• Unreasonably limit consumer rights under the CPA

• Exclude liability in a manner prohibited by law

7.4 Supplier Responsibility

All event organisers, merchants, and campaign creators are considered independent suppliers and are responsible for:

• Compliance with CPA obligations

• Honourable fulfilment of advertised services

• Proper handling of cancellations and refunds

7.5 Consumer Recourse

Consumers retain the right to:

• Request refunds in line with applicable law

• Escalate disputes to relevant consumer protection authorities in South Africa

• Seek legal remedies where necessary

8. DISPUTES

In the event of a refund dispute:

1. The user must first contact the event organiser or campaign creator

2. If unresolved, BBGI may facilitate communication between parties

3. BBGI does not guarantee resolution or financial reimbursement

9. LIMITATION OF LIABILITY

BBGI shall not be held liable for:

• Non-payment of refunds by organisers

• Disputes between users and third parties

• Losses arising from cancelled or modified events

• Delays caused by third-party payment processors

10. POLICY UPDATES

BBGI reserves the right to update or modify this Refund Policy at any time.

Continued use of the platform constitutes acceptance of the updated terms.

11. CONTACT

For refund-related queries or escalation support:

📧 info@bbgi.co.za
🌐 https://www.bbgi.co.za/