The Carer Network

1. About The Platform

The Carer Network (“the Platform”, “we”, “us”, “our”) is an online marketplace that allows home-based carers (“Carers”) to advertise their services directly to individuals and families seeking care (“Care Seekers”). The Platform operates as a directory and introduction service only. We are not an employer, labour broker, recruitment agency, or healthcare provider.

By accessing or using the Platform you agree to be bound by these Terms & Conditions. If you do not agree, you must stop using the Platform immediately.

2. Eligibility

You must be at least 18 years old and legally capable of entering into binding contracts under South African law to register an account. By registering you confirm that the information you provide is accurate, current, and complete.

3. Nature of the Service

The Platform facilitates introductions between Carers and Care Seekers. Any agreement for the provision of care services is entered into solely between the Carer and the Care Seeker. The Platform is not a party to that agreement and accepts no liability arising from it.

We do not employ, supervise, direct, or control any Carer. Carers are independent service providers and are solely responsible for the services they render.

4. No Endorsement or Verification

The Platform does not verify, endorse, or warrant the accuracy of any information provided by Carers, including but not limited to their qualifications, experience, identity, references, police clearance certificates, or fitness to provide care. Profiles are published as submitted by Carers.

The appearance of a Carer's profile on the Platform does not constitute any recommendation, approval, or endorsement by The Carer Network. Care Seekers must conduct their own due diligence before engaging any Carer.

5. Carer Responsibilities

Provide accurate and truthful information on your profile at all times.
Hold valid qualifications, certifications, or licences as represented in your profile.
Maintain a valid police clearance certificate where required.
Hold appropriate personal liability insurance for the services you offer, where applicable.
Comply with all applicable South African laws, including those relating to employment, health, and safety.
Not misrepresent your identity, qualifications, or experience.
Promptly update your profile if your circumstances change.
Not share or transfer your account credentials to any other person.

6. Care Seeker Responsibilities

Conduct your own due diligence before engaging any Carer, including verifying identity documents, qualifications, references, and police clearance.
The Platform does not verify the accuracy of information supplied by Carers. Verification is your sole responsibility.
Comply with all applicable laws governing the employment or engagement of domestic workers, including the Basic Conditions of Employment Act and sectoral determinations.
Not share another user's contact details obtained through the Platform with third parties.

7. Payments and Wallet

Certain features of the Platform require payment (for example, accessing a Carer's contact details or a Care Seeker's contact details). All fees are displayed at the time of purchase and are denominated in South African Rand (ZAR).

Payments are processed through the Platform's wallet system. Wallet funds must be loaded before a purchase can be completed. Loaded wallet funds are non-refundable except where required by the Consumer Protection Act 68 of 2008.

If the contact information you purchased is inaccurate or undeliverable (for example, an email address that bounces or a phone number that does not exist), please contact us at carersoutthere@gmail.com within 7 days of purchase and we will review the matter and, where appropriate, arrange a credit.

We reserve the right to change our fees at any time with reasonable notice.

8. Profile Visibility and Ranking

We do not guarantee any specific level of visibility or enquiries for any Carer profile. The order in which profiles appear in search results may be influenced by factors including profile completeness, location relevance, and date of registration. We reserve the right to change ranking factors at any time.

We reserve the right to suspend, hide, or remove any profile or care request at our discretion, including where we have reason to believe information is inaccurate, misleading, or in breach of these Terms.

9. Prohibited Conduct

You may not use the Platform to:

Post false, misleading, or fraudulent information.
Impersonate any person or misrepresent your identity or qualifications.
Harass, threaten, or harm other users.
Scrape, copy, or reproduce Platform content without our written permission.
Circumvent security features or attempt to gain unauthorised access.
Use the Platform for any unlawful purpose.
Share account credentials or allow another person to use your account.

10. Data Protection and Privacy

We process personal information in accordance with the Protection of Personal Information Act 4 of 2013 (“POPIA”). By using the Platform you consent to the collection and processing of your personal information as described in our Privacy Policy. We will not sell your personal information to third parties.

Contact details revealed after purchase may only be used for the purpose of arranging care services and may not be shared with or sold to third parties.

11. Disclaimer of Warranties

The Platform is provided “as is” and “as available” without warranties of any kind, express or implied. We do not warrant that the Platform will be uninterrupted, error-free, or free of viruses. We make no representations as to the suitability, competence, or conduct of any Carer listed on the Platform.

12. Limitation of Liability

To the maximum extent permitted by South African law, The Carer Network, its directors, employees, and agents shall not be liable for any direct, indirect, incidental, special, or consequential loss or damage arising out of or in connection with your use of the Platform or any care services arranged through it, including but not limited to personal injury, property damage, theft, fraud, or loss of earnings.

Where liability cannot be excluded by law (including under the Consumer Protection Act), our total liability shall not exceed the amount paid by you to the Platform in the three months preceding the event giving rise to the claim.

13. Indemnity

You agree to indemnify and hold harmless The Carer Network and its affiliates, directors, employees, and agents from any claims, losses, damages, costs, and expenses (including legal fees) arising from your use of the Platform, your breach of these Terms, or your interaction with another user.

14. Intellectual Property

All content on the Platform, including text, logos, graphics, and software, is the property of The Carer Network or its licensors and is protected by South African copyright law. You may not reproduce, distribute, or create derivative works without our prior written consent.

By uploading content to the Platform (such as profile photos), you grant us a non-exclusive, royalty-free licence to display that content on the Platform for so long as your profile remains active.

15. Complaints

If you have a complaint about the Platform, another user, or content you believe is inaccurate or harmful, please contact us at carersoutthere@gmail.com with a description of your complaint. We will acknowledge receipt within 2 business days and aim to resolve the matter within 7 business days. If we are unable to resolve your complaint, we will advise you of alternative options available under South African law.

16. Termination

We may suspend or terminate your account at any time if we reasonably believe you have breached these Terms, without notice and without liability. You may close your account at any time by contacting us.

17. Governing Law

These Terms are governed by the laws of the Republic of South Africa. Any dispute shall be subject to the exclusive jurisdiction of the courts of South Africa.

18. Changes to These Terms

We may update these Terms from time to time. We will notify registered users of material changes by email or a notice on the Platform. Continued use of the Platform after changes are posted constitutes acceptance of the revised Terms.

19. Contact

For questions about these Terms, please contact us at carersoutthere@gmail.com.