askowethu.co.za

Terms of Use

Last updated: 5 July 2026

1. Introduction

These Terms of Use ("Terms") govern your access to and use of the AskOwethu website, mobile application, WhatsApp booking system, and related services (collectively, the "Platform"), operated by AskOwethu (Pty) Ltd ("AskOwethu", "we", "us", or "our").

By creating an account, requesting a service, providing services, or otherwise using the Platform, you agree to be bound by these Terms.

By using AskOwethu, you confirm that:

• You are at least 18 years old.
• You have the legal capacity to enter into a binding agreement.
• You have read and understood these Terms.
• You agree to comply with all applicable South African laws.

2. What is AskOwethu?

AskOwethu is a technology marketplace that connects customers ("Customers") with independent local service providers ("Providers") for services including, but not limited to:

• Plumbing
• Electrical work
• Cleaning
• Gardening
• Painting
• Handyman services
• Mechanical repairs
• Tutoring
• Appliance repairs
• Home maintenance
• Other local services offered through the Platform

Important: AskOwethu does not directly perform services and is not the employer of any Provider. The service contract is concluded directly between the Customer and the Provider. AskOwethu acts solely as a marketplace and payment facilitator.

3. Independent Providers

Providers are independent contractors, not employees, agents, partners, or representatives of AskOwethu. Providers are solely responsible for:

• The quality of their work
• Licences and qualifications
• Tools and equipment
• Insurance
• Taxes
• Compliance with applicable laws
• Health and safety requirements

AskOwethu does not guarantee the quality, legality, safety, or suitability of any service provided.

Providers who register on the Platform agree to our Service Provider Agreement, which governs their onboarding, conduct, and use of the Platform, and our Provider Code of Conduct, which sets out the professional, ethical, and safety standards expected of every Provider.

4. Accounts

4.1 Customer Accounts

You must provide accurate information when registering and keep your details updated.

4.2 Provider Accounts

Providers may be required to complete identity verification, submit supporting documents, and provide valid banking details before receiving payouts.

5. Bookings and Quotes

• Customers submit a service request.
• Providers may submit a quote.
• Customers may accept or decline the quote.
• Once accepted and paid for, a booking is created.

6. Payment Flow

How payments work

• Customer accepts Provider quote.
• Customer pays AskOwethu.
• Payment processor securely holds funds.
• Provider completes the job.
• Customer enters Completion Code.
• AskOwethu deducts its 18% commission.
• Provider earnings become available for payout.
• Provider is paid on the next Wednesday payout cycle.

For the full rules on how payments are collected, held, and paid out, see our Payment & Payout Policy.

7. Customer Payments

By confirming a booking, you authorise AskOwethu and its payment processor to charge your selected payment method for:

• The Provider's quoted price
• AskOwethu's platform fee
• Applicable taxes
• Cancellation fees (if applicable)
• Adjustments authorised under these Terms

8. Holding of Funds

Customer payments are collected by AskOwethu through authorised third-party payment processors. Funds may be held until:

• The job is confirmed complete.
• A dispute is resolved.
• A refund is processed.
• Fraud checks are completed.

AskOwethu is not a bank or financial institution.

9. Provider Earnings

"Provider Earnings" means the amount payable to a Provider after deducting:

• AskOwethu's commission
• Payment processing costs
• Refunds or chargebacks
• Fraud-related reversals
• Any lawful deductions disclosed to the Provider

10. Wednesday Payouts

Providers are paid every Wednesday. Earnings are calculated for jobs completed during the previous Monday–Sunday week.

Example: a job completed on Tuesday 17 June falls within the week of 16–22 June. The Provider will be paid on Wednesday 25 June.

11. Completion Code

Important: Customers should only share the Completion Code when satisfied with the work.

The Completion Code acts as confirmation that the booked services have been completed to the Customer's reasonable satisfaction. By voluntarily providing the code, the Customer authorises AskOwethu to release the Provider's earnings.

12. Disputes

If you are unhappy with a service:

• Do not share the Completion Code.
• Contact AskOwethu support at Info@askowethu.co.za.
• Provide evidence such as photos, messages, or invoices.

AskOwethu may review available information and determine an appropriate platform outcome.

13. Refunds and Chargebacks

AskOwethu may issue full or partial refunds, reverse transactions, or adjust Provider earnings where necessary to resolve disputes, address fraud, comply with the law, or respond to payment chargebacks.

14. Cancellations

14.1 Customer Cancellations

Customers may cancel before work begins. Cancellation fees may apply.

14.2 Provider Cancellations

Providers who repeatedly cancel accepted jobs may be suspended or removed from the Platform. A Provider who arrives more than 45 minutes late without a reasonable or verifiable explanation may have earnings for that booking reduced, with the deducted amount credited to the Customer.

Cancellation fees (including the tiered fees that may apply once a Provider has accepted a booking or started travelling) and refund eligibility are set out in full in our Cancellation & Refund Policy.

15. Ratings and Reviews

Customers may rate and review Providers. Reviews must be honest and based on genuine experiences. AskOwethu may remove fraudulent, abusive, or defamatory reviews.

16. Customer Responsibilities

Customers agree to:

• Provide accurate job information.
• Provide safe access to the work area.
• Treat Providers respectfully.
• Not engage in abusive or discriminatory conduct.
• Not attempt to avoid platform fees by paying Providers directly.

17. Provider Responsibilities

Providers agree to:

• Provide services professionally.
• Arrive reasonably on time.
• Maintain required licences and qualifications.
• Comply with safety laws.
• Not solicit off-platform payments for Platform bookings.

18. Anti-Circumvention

Off-platform payments are prohibited. Customers and Providers may not use AskOwethu to connect and then complete the transaction outside the Platform in order to avoid fees. Violations may result in account suspension or permanent removal.

19. Privacy (POPIA)

AskOwethu processes personal information in accordance with the Protection of Personal Information Act, 4 of 2013 ("POPIA"). Our Privacy Policy forms part of these Terms.

20. Intellectual Property

All AskOwethu branding, logos, software, and content are owned by AskOwethu or its licensors. You may not copy or use them without permission.

21. Disclaimer

The Platform is provided on an "AS IS" and "AS AVAILABLE" basis. AskOwethu does not guarantee uninterrupted service or the quality of Provider work.

22. Limitation of Liability

To the maximum extent permitted by law, AskOwethu is not liable for indirect or consequential damages arising from use of the Platform. Nothing in these Terms excludes liability that cannot be excluded under South African law.

23. Termination

AskOwethu may suspend or terminate accounts for violations of these Terms, fraud, abuse, or other conduct that harms the Platform or its users.

24. Governing Law

These Terms are governed by the laws of the Republic of South Africa.

25. Changes to These Terms

We may update these Terms from time to time. Continued use of the Platform after changes take effect constitutes acceptance of the revised Terms.

26. Contact Us

AskOwethu Support

• Email: Info@askowethu.co.za
• WhatsApp: +27 64 626 2875