Cookie Policy
Last updated: 27 December 2025
What Are Cookies?
Cookies are small text files that are placed on your device (computer, tablet, or mobile phone) when you visit a website. They are widely used to make websites work more efficiently and to provide information to website owners.
PathwaySA uses cookies and similar technologies (like local storage) to enhance your experience, remember your preferences, and understand how you use our services. This policy explains what cookies we use, why we use them, and your choices regarding cookies.
POPIA Compliance
Under South Africa's Protection of Personal Information Act (POPIA), cookies that can identify individuals are considered personal information. We are committed to:
- Obtaining your consent before placing non-essential cookies
- Being transparent about what cookies we use and why
- Allowing you to control your cookie preferences
- Only using cookies for legitimate purposes
Types of Cookies We Use
Essential Cookies (Strictly Necessary)
These cookies are required for the website to function and cannot be switched off. They are usually set in response to actions you take, such as logging in or filling out forms.
| Cookie/Storage | Purpose | Duration |
|---|---|---|
| supabase-auth-token | Authentication session management | Session |
| sb-*-auth-token | Supabase authentication | 1 year |
Preference Cookies (Functional)
These cookies enable enhanced functionality and personalization, such as remembering your preferences and settings.
| Cookie/Storage | Purpose | Duration |
|---|---|---|
| theme | Stores dark/light mode preference | Persistent |
| pathwaysa_stage | Remembers your education stage selection | Persistent |
| cookie_consent | Stores your cookie preferences | 1 year |
Analytics Cookies (Performance)
These cookies help us understand how visitors interact with our website by collecting and reporting information anonymously. You can opt out of these cookies.
| Cookie/Storage | Purpose | Provider |
|---|---|---|
| ph_* | PostHog analytics tracking | PostHog |
| analytics_session_number | Tracks session count for engagement | PathwaySA |
| analytics_user_id | Anonymous user identification | PathwaySA |
| analytics_events | Stores analytics events locally | PathwaySA |
Local Storage (Tool Data)
In addition to cookies, we use browser local storage to save your tool data locally on your device. This data never leaves your device unless you choose to sync it with your account.
| Storage Key | Purpose |
|---|---|
| flashcards-sm2 | Spaced repetition flashcard data |
| gpa-courses | GPA calculator course information |
| pathwaysa_applications | Application tracking data |
| budget-* | Budget planner data |
| pdf-highlights | PDF highlight annotations |
| career-quiz-* | Career quiz results |
Note: This data is stored only on your device and is not transmitted to our servers. Clearing your browser data will remove this information.
Managing Your Cookie Preferences
You have several options for managing cookies:
Cookie Consent Banner
When you first visit PathwaySA, you'll see a cookie consent banner where you can accept or customize your cookie preferences. You can change these preferences at any time by clicking the cookie settings button in the footer.
Browser Settings
Most web browsers allow you to control cookies through their settings. You can:
- View what cookies are stored on your device
- Delete individual cookies or all cookies
- Block cookies from specific websites
- Block all cookies from being set
- Delete all cookies when you close your browser
Warning: Blocking essential cookies may prevent you from logging in or using certain features of PathwaySA. We recommend keeping essential cookies enabled for the best experience.
Do Not Track Signals
Some browsers have a "Do Not Track" (DNT) feature that sends a signal to websites you visit, indicating that you do not want to be tracked. PathwaySA respects DNT signals. When we detect a DNT signal, we will disable non-essential analytics cookies.
Third-Party Cookies
Some cookies on our website are placed by third-party services:
- PostHog: Analytics and product analytics platform. PostHog Privacy Policy
- Sentry: Error monitoring (no user-facing cookies). Sentry Privacy Policy
- Google: If you sign in with Google OAuth. Google Privacy Policy
Updates to This Policy
We may update this Cookie Policy from time to time to reflect changes in our practices or for legal, operational, or regulatory reasons. The "Last updated" date at the top of this page indicates when this policy was last revised. We encourage you to review this policy periodically.
Contact Us
If you have any questions about our use of cookies, please contact us:
Email: privacy@pathwaysa.co.za
Subject Line: Cookie Policy Inquiry