Cancellation & Refund Policy

This Cancellation & Refund Policy forms part of our Terms of Service and governs subscription cancellations, refunds, and account terminations on AfriDate (“the Platform”).

By registering or purchasing a subscription or membership, you acknowledge and agree to this Policy.

1. Nature of Services

The Platform provides access to a niche online dating community, including digital communication tools, profile visibility, and premium features. All services are delivered electronically and are considered digital services.

2. Subscription Model & Automatic Renewal

2.1 All paid memberships are subscription-based and renew automatically at the end of each billing cycle (monthly, quarterly, or annually, as selected at checkout).

2.2 By purchasing a subscription, you expressly authorize recurring billing until cancellation.

2.3 It is your sole responsibility to cancel prior to the renewal date. Failure to cancel before renewal will result in automatic billing for the next cycle.

3. Cancellation by User

3.1 Subscriptions may be cancelled at any time via:

• Account Settings > Subscription > Cancel; or
• Written request to info@afridate.co.za

3.2 Cancellation prevents future renewals only.
3.3 Cancellation does not entitle the user to:

• A refund for the current billing cycle; or
• A partial refund for unused time.

Access to premium features will remain active until the end of the paid billing period.

4. Cooling-Off Rights (South African Consumers)

4.1 In accordance with Section 44 of the Electronic Communications and Transactions Act (ECTA), users may cancel an online transaction within 7 days of purchase without reason.

4.2 However, by activating premium features, sending messages, boosting profiles, unlocking content, or otherwise using paid services during this 7-day period, you:

• Expressly consent to immediate performance of digital services; and
• Acknowledge that the cooling-off right may no longer apply once performance has begun.

4.3 Where cancellation occurs within 7 days and services have been partially used, we reserve the right to deduct:

• The reasonable value of services already provided;
• Administrative and transaction processing costs (as permitted by law).

5. No Refund Policy

5.1 Except where required by South African law, all payments are non-refundable.

5.2 No refunds will be granted for:

• Lack of matches or engagement
• Personal dissatisfaction
• Incompatibility with other members
• Account inactivity
• Failure to cancel before renewal
• Change of personal circumstances

5.3 We do not guarantee:

• Matches
• Messages
• Relationship outcomes
• Specific levels of interaction or success

The Platform provides access only, not results.

6. Chargebacks & Payment Disputes

6.1 Initiating a chargeback without first contacting support constitutes a breach of this Policy.

6.2 We reserve the right to:

• Immediately suspend or permanently terminate the account;
• Recover chargeback fees and administrative costs;
• Submit evidence to financial institutions disputing illegitimate chargebacks.

6.3 Users remain liable for all valid subscription fees incurred.

7. Account Suspension or Termination by the Platform

We reserve the right, at our sole discretion, to suspend or permanently terminate accounts without refund if a user:

• Violates our Terms of Service
• Engages in harassment, abuse, or coercion
• Creates fraudulent or misleading profiles
• Solicits unlawful activity
• Shares explicit or prohibited content
• Engages in off-platform financial manipulation
• Circumvents payment systems

Termination for misconduct voids any eligibility for refund.

8. Deletion of Account

8.1 Deleting your account does not automatically cancel your subscription.
8.2 Subscriptions must be cancelled separately.
8.3 Failure to cancel before deletion may result in continued billing.

We are not responsible for subscription renewals where users delete accounts without cancelling billing.

9. Administrative Fees

Where refunds are issued in exceptional circumstances, we reserve the right to deduct:

• Payment gateway fees
• Currency conversion fees
• Administrative processing fees (up to 10%)

10. Amendments

We may update this Policy at any time. Updated versions will be posted on the Platform. Continued use after changes constitutes acceptance of the revised Policy.

11. Governing Law

This Policy is governed by the laws of the Republic of South Africa. Any disputes shall be subject to the jurisdiction of South African courts.