1. Purpose

This Refund Policy explains when refunds may be requested and how refunds are assessed for payments made to Next Step SA. Next Step SA operates as a subsidiary of CodeSync, and CodeSync remains the main company responsible for the administration and oversight of this policy.

2. Scope

This policy applies to payments made for Next Step SA services, including subscription fees, employer listings, featured listings, account upgrades, recruitment-related platform access, digital services, once-off setup services and any related paid features provided through the platform.

3. General refund position

Payments made to Next Step SA are generally non-refundable once access to the service, digital platform, listing, subscription benefit or paid feature has been activated or used. Refunds may, however, be considered where required by law, where a duplicate or incorrect payment was made, or where CodeSync / Next Step SA is unable to provide the purchased service.

4. Refunds that may be approved

• Duplicate payments received for the same service, account or invoice.
• Incorrect billing caused by an administrative or technical error by CodeSync or Next Step SA.
• A paid service that has not yet been activated, used or made available to the customer.
• A service that CodeSync / Next Step SA is unable to provide after payment has been received.
• Any refund that is required under applicable South African consumer protection legislation.

5. Refunds that may not be approved

• Where the customer has already used the platform, accessed paid features, posted listings, received exposure, downloaded information, or otherwise benefited from the service.
• Where the customer did not receive responses, applications, job placements, leads or business outcomes, as these results cannot be guaranteed.
• Where cancellation is requested after the subscription or service period has already started, unless otherwise required by law.
• Where the customer fails to provide the information, documents, approvals or cooperation required to activate or deliver the service.
• Where the account was suspended or terminated due to misuse, false information, breach of terms, fraud, spam, or unlawful activity.

6. No guaranteed outcomes

Next Step SA provides a platform to connect job seekers, employers and related opportunities. Payment for a service does not guarantee employment, candidate placement, employer responses, job applications, interviews, tenders, leads, revenue, or any specific commercial result.

7. Cooling-off and statutory rights

Where a customer has a valid statutory cooling-off or cancellation right under South African law, Next Step SA and CodeSync will handle the refund request in line with the applicable legal requirements. Nothing in this policy is intended to limit rights that cannot lawfully be limited.

8. How to request a refund

Refund requests must be submitted in writing to CodeSync / Next Step SA with enough detail for the request to be assessed. The request should include:

• Customer name and company name, where applicable
• Email address linked to the account
• Invoice number or proof of payment
• Reason for the refund request
• Banking details if a refund is approved

9. Assessment process

1. CodeSync / Next Step SA will acknowledge the refund request and may request additional information.
2. The account, payment history, service activation and usage will be reviewed.
3. A decision will be communicated to the customer in writing.
4. Approved refunds will be processed to the original payment method where possible, or to a verified bank account.

10. Processing time

Approved refunds will be processed within a reasonable period after approval and after the customer has provided all required banking or payment information. Bank processing times may vary and are outside the control of CodeSync and Next Step SA.

11. Admin, banking and third-party fees

Where permitted by law, refunds may be reduced by reasonable banking fees, payment gateway fees, chargeback fees, third-party fees, or administrative costs already incurred in delivering or preparing the service.

12. Chargebacks and payment disputes

Customers are encouraged to contact CodeSync / Next Step SA before lodging a chargeback or payment dispute. Where a chargeback is raised, CodeSync / Next Step SA may suspend the relevant account while the matter is investigated.