Content & Social Media Policy
How content is created, submitted, published and managed across Market Hive SA and its social channels.
Effective date: 2 July 2026
1. Purpose
This Content & Social Media Policy establishes clear guidelines for the creation, submission, publication, sharing and management of content across Market Hive SA platforms. It applies to all users of Market Hive SA, including Markets, Vendors, Suppliers, Service Providers, Venues, Partners, Sponsors, Patrons, Employees, Contractors and Contributors.
2. Scope
This policy governs content published on:
- the Market Hive SA website;
- Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, X (Twitter), TikTok and YouTube;
- WhatsApp communities and channels;
- email campaigns, newsletters and blogs;
- promotional and printed marketing materials;
- future Market Hive SA communication channels.
3. Content Standards
All content submitted to or published by Market Hive SA must:
- be accurate and truthful;
- be respectful and professional;
- comply with applicable South African laws;
- respect intellectual property rights;
- avoid misleading or deceptive claims;
- be relevant to the Market Hive SA community;
- support a positive and inclusive environment.
Market Hive SA reserves the right to edit, decline, suspend, remove or refuse publication of any content at its sole discretion.
4. Acceptable Content
Acceptable content includes market announcements, vendor and supplier promotions, product showcases, event information, educational content, community news, industry updates, success stories, testimonials, and photographs and videos from market events.
5. Prohibited Content
The following content is prohibited:
- illegal content, unlawful activities, fraudulent promotions, counterfeit products, copyright or trademark infringement;
- offensive content, including hate speech, harassment, threats, bullying, discrimination or defamation;
- inappropriate content, including pornographic or sexually explicit material, excessive violence or graphic content;
- misleading content, including false claims, fake reviews, false advertising or misrepresentation of products or services;
- spam, repetitive posting, excessive self-promotion, unsolicited advertising or automated spam activity.
6. Intellectual Property Rights
Users may only submit content that they own or that they have permission to use. This includes logos, photographs, videos, artwork, written content, testimonials and audio recordings. By submitting content, users warrant that they possess all necessary rights and permissions.
7. Photography and Video Content
Where identifiable individuals appear in photographs or videos, appropriate consent must be obtained, with additional consent required for minors. Users must comply with applicable privacy laws, and Market Hive SA may request proof of consent at any time.
8. Content Licence
By submitting content to Market Hive SA, users grant Market Hive SA a non-exclusive, royalty-free, worldwide licence to publish, reproduce, display, distribute, share, adapt, resize, edit and promote such content for marketing, promotional, educational and informational purposes. This licence remains in effect until withdrawn in writing, subject to content already published or distributed.
9. Testimonials and Reviews
Testimonials and reviews published by Market Hive SA must be genuine, reflect actual experiences and not contain false or misleading statements. Market Hive SA reserves the right to verify testimonials before publication.
10. Social Media Conduct
Users engaging with Market Hive SA social media platforms are expected to be respectful, remain professional, engage constructively, respect differing opinions and avoid abusive behaviour. Harassment, hate speech, spam, trolling, threats or repeated misconduct may result in removal or blocking.
11. Community Engagement
Market Hive SA encourages collaboration, networking, community support, the sharing of market opportunities and positive business relationships. Users should contribute in a manner that supports the growth and reputation of the broader market community.
12. Competitions and Promotions
Promotions run by Market Hive SA shall clearly state their rules, closing dates, prize details and winner selection methods. Unless otherwise stated, social media platforms are not sponsors, administrators or participants in Market Hive SA promotions.
13. Artificial Intelligence (AI) Content
Where AI-generated content is used, it must not intentionally mislead users or falsely represent products or services. Real product images should be used wherever possible for listings and promotions, and Market Hive SA reserves the right to identify AI-generated content where appropriate.
14. Reporting Content
Users may report content believed to violate this policy by emailing [email protected]. Market Hive SA will investigate complaints and take appropriate action where necessary.
15. Enforcement
Market Hive SA may edit or remove content, suspend listings, restrict access, terminate accounts or refuse future participation for breaches of this policy. Market Hive SA's decisions regarding content moderation shall be final.
16. Limitation of Liability
Market Hive SA acts as a directory, networking and promotional platform. Content submitted by users remains the responsibility of the submitting party. Market Hive SA does not guarantee the accuracy, completeness, legality or reliability of user-generated content and accepts no liability arising from reliance upon such content.
17. Indemnity
Users agree to indemnify and hold harmless Market Hive SA, its owners, employees, contractors, affiliates and representatives against any claims, losses, damages, costs or legal expenses arising from submitted content, copyright or trademark infringement, privacy violations, defamatory statements, misrepresentation or breach of this policy.
18. Social Media & Marketing Content Release
By submitting an application or listing, participants grant Market Hive SA permission to use, publish, reproduce, edit, distribute and display submitted photographs, video footage, business logos, product and stall images, event images, testimonials, reviews, written content and audio recordings across the Market Hive SA website, social media channels, email campaigns, newsletters, printed marketing material, promotional presentations, media releases and advertising campaigns.
Participants acknowledge that:
- no payment is due for the use of submitted content;
- content may be resized, cropped, edited, branded or formatted for marketing purposes;
- Market Hive SA is not obligated to use any submitted content;
- content may remain in previously published marketing materials after this agreement is terminated.
Where photographs or videos contain identifiable persons, participants confirm that permission has been obtained from all adults featured and from the parent or legal guardian of any minor featured. Written requests to remove future use of content may be submitted to [email protected], though content already published, printed, distributed or shared may not be capable of complete removal.
19. Directory Listing Consent
Participants authorise Market Hive SA to publish and display the information submitted in their application within the Market Hive SA Directory and associated promotional platforms, which may include business name, contact person, business description, product and service categories, website address, social media links, selected public contact details, operating areas, market participation information and submitted photographs, logos and promotional material. Market Hive SA acts solely as a directory and promotional platform and is not responsible for any transactions, agreements, bookings, communications, disputes or business relationships that may arise between users of the directory.
Policy Amendments and Continued Participation
Market Hive SA reserves the right to amend, update, modify, replace or discontinue this policy at any time, where permitted by applicable law. Any amendments become effective upon publication on the Market Hive SA website or upon notification to users through any reasonable communication channel.
It is the responsibility of users, members, subscribers, vendors, suppliers, service providers, venues, markets, partners and patrons to review the applicable policies periodically. Continued use of the Market Hive SA website, services, directory listings, subscriptions, applications, accounts or participation in the Market Hive SA community following the publication of any amendment constitutes acceptance of such changes and agreement to be bound by the updated terms. If you do not agree to any amendment, you must discontinue use of the relevant services and may request cancellation of your account or subscription in accordance with the applicable cancellation policies.
Document version: 1.0
Last updated: 2 July 2026
The most current version of this policy is always available on the Market Hive SA website.
Questions about this policy? Email [email protected].