Terms of Use

Africa Science (AfricaScience.org)
Effective Date: 1 July 2026 Last Updated: 29 June 2026

1. Introduction and Acceptance

These Terms of Use (“Terms”) govern your access to and use of the Africa Science website at https://www.africascience.org (“the Website”), operated by Africa Science (“we”, “us”, “our”).

By accessing or using the Website, you agree to be bound by these Terms and our Privacy Policy. If you do not agree to these Terms, you must not access or use the Website.

We reserve the right to amend these Terms at any time. Material changes will be indicated by updating the “Last Updated” date. Your continued use of the Website following the posting of changes constitutes your acceptance of such changes.

2. Definitions

In these Terms, unless the context indicates otherwise:

  • “Content” means all text, articles, images, graphics, photographs, illustrations, audio, video, data, software, and other materials published on or made available through the Website.
  • “User” means any person who accesses or uses the Website in any manner.
  • “Contributor” means any person who submits, writes, or provides Content for publication on the Website.
  • “Personal Information” has the meaning ascribed to it in the Protection of Personal Information Act 4 of 2013 (POPIA).
  • “Intellectual Property Rights” means all rights in and to patents, trademarks, service marks, trade names, copyrights, database rights, designs, know-how, trade secrets, and all other intellectual property rights, whether registered or unregistered.

3. About Africa Science

Africa Science is a South African science and technology publication dedicated to covering scientific research, technological innovation, and STEM developments across the African continent. The Website publishes articles, analysis, opinion pieces, and other editorial content.

4. Website Access and Availability

4.1. We grant you a limited, non-exclusive, non-transferable, revocable licence to access and use the Website for personal, non-commercial purposes, subject to these Terms.

4.2. We do not guarantee that the Website will be available at all times or without interruption. We may suspend, withdraw, discontinue, or modify all or any part of the Website without notice. We shall not be liable to you if the Website is unavailable at any time or for any period.

4.3. You are responsible for ensuring that all persons who access the Website through your internet connection are aware of these Terms and comply with them.

5. Intellectual Property Rights

5.1 Ownership of Content

All Content published on the Website, including but not limited to articles, images, graphics, logos, icons, the Website design, layout, and underlying code, is the property of Africa Science or its licensors and is protected by South African and international copyright, trademark, and other Intellectual Property Rights laws, including the Copyright Act 98 of 1978 (as amended).

5.2 Permitted Use

You may:

  • View, read, and print Content for your personal, non-commercial use
  • Share links to Content on the Website via social media or other platforms, provided you attribute the source to Africa Science and link back to the original article
  • Quote brief excerpts from Content for purposes of commentary, criticism, review, or news reporting, in accordance with the fair dealing provisions of the Copyright Act 98 of 1978

5.3 Prohibited Use

Without our prior written consent, you may not:

  • Reproduce, republish, distribute, or create derivative works from Content for commercial purposes
  • Systematically download, scrape, harvest, or extract Content from the Website, whether by automated means or otherwise
  • Remove, obscure, or alter any copyright, trademark, or other proprietary notices on the Content
  • Use Content in any manner that implies endorsement or affiliation with Africa Science
  • Frame or mirror the Website or any part thereof on any other website or platform
  • Use data mining, robots, spiders, or similar data-gathering or extraction tools on the Website

5.4 Contributor Licence

Contributors who submit Content for publication grant Africa Science a non-exclusive, worldwide, royalty-free, perpetual licence to publish, reproduce, distribute, display, and create derivative works of the submitted Content on the Website and associated platforms (including newsletters and social media). Contributors retain copyright ownership of their original work unless otherwise agreed in writing.

5.5 Trademarks

“Africa Science”, “AfricaScience.org”, and associated logos and marks are trademarks of Africa Science. You may not use these marks without our prior written permission.

6. User Conduct

6.1 General Obligations

When using the Website, you agree to:

  • Comply with all applicable South African laws and regulations
  • Respect the Intellectual Property Rights of Africa Science and third parties
  • Provide accurate information when subscribing to our newsletter or contacting us
  • Use the Website in a manner consistent with its intended purpose

6.2 Prohibited Conduct

You must not:

  • Use the Website for any unlawful, fraudulent, or harmful purpose
  • Attempt to gain unauthorised access to the Website, its servers, or any connected systems or databases
  • Introduce viruses, trojans, worms, malware, or other technologically harmful material
  • Conduct any denial-of-service attacks or similar disruptive activities
  • Impersonate any person or entity, or misrepresent your affiliation with any person or entity
  • Interfere with or disrupt the integrity or performance of the Website
  • Collect or harvest personal information of other users without their consent
  • Use the Website to transmit unsolicited commercial communications (spam)
  • Engage in any activity that could damage, disable, overburden, or impair the Website

6.3 Consequences of Breach

We reserve the right, in our sole discretion, to:

  • Restrict or terminate your access to the Website
  • Remove any Content that violates these Terms
  • Report any unlawful activity to the relevant South African law enforcement authorities
  • Take any legal action we deem necessary

7. Newsletter

7.1. By subscribing to our newsletter, you consent to receiving periodic emails from Africa Science containing articles, updates, and related content.

7.2. You may unsubscribe from the newsletter at any time by clicking the “unsubscribe” link included in every newsletter email, or by contacting us at info@africascience.org.

7.3. Our newsletter is managed through Mailchimp. By subscribing, you acknowledge that your information will be processed in accordance with our Privacy Policy and Mailchimp’s terms of service.

8. Disclaimers

8.1 Content Disclaimer

8.1.1. The Content published on the Website is provided for general informational and educational purposes only. It does not constitute professional, scientific, medical, legal, or financial advice.

8.1.2. While we endeavour to ensure that Content is accurate, current, and complete, we make no representations or warranties of any kind, express or implied, about the completeness, accuracy, reliability, suitability, or availability of the Content.

8.1.3. Articles and opinion pieces reflect the views of their respective authors and do not necessarily represent the official position of Africa Science.

8.1.4. Any reliance you place on Content published on the Website is strictly at your own risk.

8.2 Third-Party Links and Resources

8.2.1. The Website may contain links to third-party websites, resources, or services. These links are provided for your convenience only.

8.2.2. We have no control over the content, accuracy, or availability of third-party websites and do not endorse or assume any responsibility for them.

8.2.3. Your use of third-party websites is subject to their respective terms and conditions and privacy policies.

9. Limitation of Liability

9.1. To the maximum extent permitted by South African law, including the Consumer Protection Act 68 of 2008 and the Electronic Communications and Transactions Act 25 of 2002:

  • Africa Science, its directors, employees, contributors, agents, and affiliates shall not be liable for any direct, indirect, incidental, special, consequential, or punitive damages arising out of or in connection with your use of, or inability to use, the Website or its Content.
  • This includes, without limitation, damages for loss of profits, goodwill, data, or other intangible losses, even if we have been advised of the possibility of such damages.

9.2. Nothing in these Terms excludes or limits our liability for:

  • Death or personal injury caused by our negligence;
  • Fraud or fraudulent misrepresentation;
  • Any other liability that cannot be excluded or limited under South African law.

9.3. Our total aggregate liability to you for all claims arising out of or in connection with these Terms or your use of the Website shall not exceed ZAR 1,000 (one thousand South African Rand).

10. Indemnification

You agree to indemnify, defend, and hold harmless Africa Science, its directors, employees, contributors, agents, and affiliates from and against any and all claims, liabilities, damages, losses, costs, and expenses (including reasonable legal fees) arising out of or in connection with:

  • Your use of the Website in violation of these Terms;
  • Your violation of any applicable law or regulation;
  • Your infringement of any Intellectual Property Rights or other rights of any third party;
  • Any Content you submit or provide to Africa Science.

11. Privacy

Your use of the Website is also governed by our Privacy Policy, which is incorporated into these Terms by reference. Please review our Privacy Policy for information about how we collect, use, and protect your personal information in compliance with POPIA.

12. Electronic Communications

12.1. In accordance with the Electronic Communications and Transactions Act 25 of 2002 (ECTA), you consent to receiving electronic communications from us, including by email and notices posted on the Website.

12.2. You agree that all agreements, notices, disclosures, and other communications that we provide electronically satisfy any legal requirement that such communications be in writing.

13. Governing Law and Jurisdiction

13.1. These Terms are governed by and construed in accordance with the laws of the Republic of South Africa.

13.2. Any dispute, controversy, or claim arising out of or relating to these Terms, or the breach, termination, or invalidity thereof, shall be subject to the exclusive jurisdiction of the courts of the Republic of South Africa.

14. Dispute Resolution

14.1. In the event of any dispute arising out of or in connection with these Terms, the parties shall first attempt to resolve the dispute through good-faith negotiation.

14.2. If the dispute cannot be resolved through negotiation within 30 (thirty) days of written notice of the dispute, either party may refer the matter to mediation administered under the rules of the Arbitration Foundation of Southern Africa (AFSA) or another mutually agreed mediation body.

14.3. If mediation fails to resolve the dispute within 60 (sixty) days, either party may institute legal proceedings in a court of competent jurisdiction in the Republic of South Africa.

14.4. Nothing in this clause prevents either party from seeking urgent interim relief from a court of competent jurisdiction.

15. General Provisions

15.1 Severability

If any provision of these Terms is found to be invalid, illegal, or unenforceable by a court of competent jurisdiction, such invalidity, illegality, or unenforceability shall not affect the remaining provisions, which shall continue in full force and effect.

15.2 Waiver

No failure or delay by Africa Science in exercising any right or remedy under these Terms shall constitute a waiver of that right or remedy. A waiver of any right or remedy on one occasion shall not be construed as a waiver of any right or remedy on any subsequent occasion.

15.3 Entire Agreement

These Terms, together with our Privacy Policy and POPIA Manual, constitute the entire agreement between you and Africa Science with respect to your use of the Website and supersede all prior or contemporaneous communications, whether oral or written.

15.4 Assignment

You may not assign or transfer any of your rights or obligations under these Terms without our prior written consent. We may assign our rights and obligations under these Terms without restriction.

15.5 Force Majeure

Africa Science shall not be liable for any failure or delay in performing its obligations under these Terms to the extent that such failure or delay results from circumstances beyond its reasonable control, including but not limited to natural disasters, power outages, internet disruptions, government actions, pandemics, or acts of war.

16. Contact Us

For any questions or concerns regarding these Terms, please contact us:

  • Email: info@africascience.org
  • Privacy-related enquiries: privacy@africascience.org
  • Website: https://www.africascience.org
  • Postal Address: Africa Science, Cape Town, South Africa

These Terms of Use were last reviewed and updated on 29 June 2026.