Terms and Conditions
This document is provided for informational purposes. Final legal wording should be reviewed by a qualified South African legal professional before launch.
Phumudzo's role
Phumudzo is a booking platform that connects customers with independent vehicle owners. Phumudzo does not own most listed vehicles unless specifically stated. Phumudzo is not the vehicle owner, insurer, employer or transport operator of independent owners. Owners are independent service providers.
Owner-driven model
Vehicles listed on Phumudzo are owner-driven. Customers are not allowed to drive listed vehicles. The owner is responsible for operating the vehicle safely and lawfully unless Phumudzo has approved another driver in writing.
Availability
All bookings are subject to owner availability confirmation. A request is not a confirmed booking. A booking is only confirmed after availability confirmation and successful payment through Phumudzo.
Payments
All payments must be made through Phumudzo. Customers must not pay owners directly unless Phumudzo gives written approval. Owners must not request side payments. Phumudzo may charge a platform commission or service fee.
Cancellations
Cancellation rules apply depending on who cancels, timing, and event circumstances including weather-related changes and event postponement. Refund eligibility and any non-refundable admin or platform fees will be set out in the Cancellation Policy.
Owner cancellation protection
If an owner cancels, Phumudzo may try to find a replacement vehicle but cannot guarantee replacement. If no replacement is available, refund rules apply.
Vehicle substitution
The exact listed vehicle must be provided unless the customer agrees to a replacement. If a replacement is offered, the customer must approve it before the event.
Safety rules
Customers and passengers must not drive the vehicle, distract the owner-driver, request speeding, burnouts, racing or reckless driving, hang out of windows or sunroofs, damage the vehicle, smoke or vape unless the owner allows it, bring open alcohol or illegal substances into the vehicle, or fail to follow pickup and drop-off rules.
Matric dance and prom bookings
Parent or guardian contact details are required. Pickup and venue details must be accurate. Phumudzo may refuse unsafe or unclear bookings. The booking is for transport, arrival and photos only, not unsafe driving or stunts.
Damage
The customer is responsible for damage caused by the customer or passengers. The owner must report damage as soon as possible. Phumudzo may assist with dispute handling but is not automatically liable for customer-caused damage.
Late arrivals
Owners must make reasonable effort to arrive on time. Phumudzo is not liable for delays caused by traffic, weather, road closures, incorrect customer details, breakdowns or events outside reasonable control. A support process exists for serious issues.
Breakdowns
If a vehicle breaks down before the event, the owner must notify Phumudzo immediately. Phumudzo may attempt to arrange replacement but cannot guarantee one. Refund or partial refund rules apply depending on timing and circumstances.
Photos and media
Customers may consent to photos being used for marketing. This is optional and must not be forced as a condition of booking. For minors, parent or guardian consent is required before using identifiable images for marketing.
Platform rights
Phumudzo can refuse bookings, remove listings, suspend owners, cancel suspicious bookings, update prices, correct errors, withhold owner payout during disputes, and reject vehicles that do not meet standards.
Limitation of liability
Phumudzo is not liable for indirect losses, emotional distress, missed photo opportunities, event issues, school issues or third-party conduct. Phumudzo's maximum liability is limited to the amount paid by the customer for the booking, unless law says otherwise.
Disputes
Disputes follow a process where the customer reports an issue, the owner responds, admin reviews evidence, admin decides outcome, and refund or payout may be adjusted. Communication should remain on platform where possible.
Privacy
Phumudzo collects only needed personal information, protects customer, parent, owner and booking data, does not expose owner private details publicly, and uses personal data for booking, support, payment and safety purposes.