Content Policy
The standards every listing, image and submission on Market Hive SA must meet.
Effective date: 17 June 2026
1. Our Commitment
Market Hive SA is a community-driven platform dedicated to connecting Markets, Vendors, Suppliers, Service Providers, Venues, and Patrons across South Africa. Our goal is to provide a safe, welcoming, trustworthy, and family-friendly environment where local businesses can showcase their products and services while building meaningful community connections. All users are expected to contribute honestly, respectfully, and professionally. As a proudly South African platform, we embrace the diversity of our Rainbow Nation and expect all members of our community to treat one another with dignity and respect. We are building more than a directory. We are building a trusted community where markets, vendors, suppliers, organisers, venues, and patrons can connect, grow, and succeed together.
2. Scope
This Content Policy applies to all content published on Market Hive SA, including but not limited to:
- business listings;
- company profiles;
- product descriptions;
- images and photographs;
- videos;
- logos;
- social media links;
- reviews and comments;
- event listings;
- advertisements;
- promotions and competitions;
- messages submitted through forms;
- blog submissions;
- user-generated content.
3. Our Community Standards
Content published on Market Hive SA should be:
- honest;
- respectful;
- family-friendly;
- accurate;
- lawful;
- inclusive;
- relevant to the South African market community.
4. Acceptable Content
We encourage content that:
- supports local businesses;
- promotes markets, events, products, and services;
- celebrates creativity and entrepreneurship;
- educates and informs;
- inspires positivity and community engagement;
- shares success stories and achievements;
- encourages collaboration;
- demonstrates professionalism and ethical business practices.
5. Content Requirements
All listings must:
- use truthful descriptions;
- accurately represent products or services;
- include current contact details;
- use high-quality images where possible;
- respect copyright laws;
- comply with South African legislation.
Users are responsible for keeping their information up to date.
6. Prohibited Content
The following content is strictly prohibited.
Illegal Content:
- illegal goods or services;
- counterfeit products;
- stolen property;
- fraud;
- pyramid schemes;
- money laundering;
- identity theft;
- scams;
- unlicensed gambling.
Dangerous Products:
- illegal drugs;
- drug paraphernalia;
- unlicensed medicines;
- hazardous chemicals;
- explosives;
- firearms sold unlawfully;
- dangerous weapons intended for harm.
Adult Content (Market Hive SA is intended to remain family-friendly):
- pornographic material;
- explicit sexual content;
- escort services;
- adult entertainment;
- sexually suggestive advertising;
- nudity intended for sexual purposes.
Hate Speech and Harassment: content that bullies individuals, threatens violence, promotes hatred, encourages discrimination, harasses users, uses abusive language, or targets protected groups will be removed immediately.
Violence and Graphic Content:
- graphic injuries;
- animal cruelty;
- violence;
- gore;
- disturbing imagery.
False and Misleading Content:
- fake products;
- false advertising;
- fake reviews;
- impersonation;
- misleading pricing;
- fake competitions;
- misrepresentation of qualifications.
7. Intellectual Property
Users may only upload content they own or have permission to use. This includes:
- logos;
- product photos;
- videos;
- artwork;
- music;
- written content.
Market Hive SA respects intellectual property rights and will respond to legitimate copyright complaints.
8. Images and Photography
Images should:
- represent actual products or services;
- be clear and of good quality;
- avoid excessive editing;
- be appropriate for all audiences.
Images containing offensive material may be removed without notice.
9. Reviews and Ratings
Reviews should be:
- based on genuine experiences;
- honest;
- respectful;
- relevant.
The following are prohibited:
- fake reviews;
- review manipulation;
- personal attacks;
- defamation;
- spam.
Market Hive SA reserves the right to moderate or remove reviews.
10. Promotions and Competitions
Users running promotions are responsible for ensuring compliance with:
- South African Consumer Protection Act;
- competition rules;
- applicable advertising standards.
Promotions must clearly state:
- entry requirements;
- closing dates;
- prize details;
- winner selection process;
- terms and conditions.
11. Advertising Standards
Advertisements must not:
- be misleading;
- contain hidden fees;
- make false claims;
- promise unrealistic outcomes;
- use deceptive pricing.
Sponsored content should be clearly identifiable.
12. Social Media Links
Business pages may link to official:
- Facebook;
- Instagram;
- TikTok;
- LinkedIn;
- X;
- YouTube;
- Google Business;
- WhatsApp Business.
Links promoting prohibited content may be removed.
13. User Responsibility
Users are solely responsible for:
- their listings;
- uploaded content;
- comments;
- images;
- promotions;
- communications.
Market Hive SA does not verify every listing before publication.
14. Reporting Content
Users may report content that appears to:
- violate this policy;
- infringe copyright;
- promote scams;
- contain offensive material;
- mislead consumers.
Market Hive SA will investigate reports and take appropriate action.
15. Enforcement
Depending on the severity of a violation, Market Hive SA may:
- request edits;
- remove content;
- suspend listings;
- restrict advertising privileges;
- suspend accounts;
- permanently terminate accounts;
- report unlawful activity to the relevant authorities.
No refunds will be issued where content is removed due to policy violations.
16. Disclaimer
Market Hive SA acts as a platform connecting businesses and communities. We do not guarantee:
- the accuracy of listings;
- product quality;
- availability;
- pricing;
- delivery;
- services provided by third parties.
Users engage with businesses at their own discretion and risk.
17. Our Brand Values
- Trust: building confidence through honesty and transparency.
- Growth: supporting local businesses and encouraging innovation.
- Community: creating meaningful connections across South Africa's markets.
- Professionalism: maintaining a respectful, welcoming, and high-quality platform.
18. Policy Updates
Market Hive SA reserves the right to update this Content Policy from time to time. Continued use of the platform after changes are published constitutes acceptance of the revised policy.
Community Promise
We believe local markets are more than places to shop, they are places where communities connect, creators thrive, and small businesses grow. By working together with honesty, kindness, and respect, we can build a stronger marketplace for everyone.
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].