Terms of Use

Effective Date: 1 January 2026 These Terms of Use govern your engagement with MCHOPI Media Legacy (“Company,” “we,” “us,” or “our”). By accessing our website, submitting materials, or engaging with us in any manner, you agree to be bound by these Terms. Our work focuses on documentary and archival preservation with an emphasis on discretion, accuracy, and historical integrity. These Terms reflect our selective, research-led approach.

1. Definitions

“Legacy Materials”
Historical documents, photographs, recordings, personal papers, narratives, and other materials submitted for documentary or archival consideration. “Documentation Services”
Our professional work in archival curation, documentary research, and legacy preservation, as described on our website. “Submission”
Any materials, information, or enquiries provided to us through our website, email, or other communication channels. “Confidential Engagement”
Projects undertaken with discretion, where materials may be preserved privately or remain archival in nature.

2. Nature of Our Work

MCHOPI Media Legacy undertakes focused documentary and archival work centred on historical record and legacy preservation. Our work is:
  • Selective
    We engage only with projects aligned with our mandate and expertise.
  • Research-led
    Each engagement begins with a careful assessment of historical material and context.
  • Discretion-based
    Not all work is public facing; some records are preserved privately.
  • Case-by-case
    Engagement is considered individually, based on historical significance and feasibility.
Submission of materials does not imply acceptance, obligation, or commitment to publication. We prioritise accuracy, integrity, and responsibility over volume or visibility.

3. Submission of Materials

3.1 Review Process

All submissions are reviewed privately to assess:
  • Historical relevance and significance
  • Material availability and condition
  • Alignment with our documentation mandate
  • Feasibility of ethical and responsible preservation

3.2 No Guarantee of Acceptance

We reserve the right to decline any submission at our sole discretion. Not all submissions proceed beyond initial review, and no explanation is required.

3.3 Confidentiality of Submissions

We treat all submissions with discretion during the review process. However, absolute confidentiality cannot be guaranteed until a formal written engagement agreement is executed.

4. Intellectual Property

4.1 Your Materials

You retain ownership of all Legacy Materials you submit. By submitting materials, you grant us a limited, non-exclusive licence to review, assess, and evaluate them for potential documentation or archival work.

4.2 Our Work Product

All archival organisation, documentary research, narrative development, and related professional work created by us remains our intellectual property, unless otherwise agreed in writing.

4.3 Collaborative Projects

For projects undertaken, intellectual property arrangements will be defined in a separate written agreement, reflecting whether the work is public, private, or archival in nature.

5. Confidential Engagements

Certain projects may be undertaken as Confidential Engagements, where:
  • Materials are preserved for private or restricted access
  • Documentation remains archival rather than public
  • Access is limited to designated individuals or entities
  • The existence or nature of the project may not be disclosed
Specific terms governing Confidential Engagements will be set out in a separate agreement.

6. Limitation of Liability

To the fullest extent permitted by law:
  • Our services are provided “as is,” without warranties of completeness, accuracy, or fitness for a particular purpose.
  • We are not liable for indirect, incidental, or consequential damages arising from submission reviews or documentation work.
  • Our total liability for any claim is limited to the fees paid for the specific service giving rise to the claim.
  • We are not responsible for the preservation, protection, or backup of submitted materials until a formal engagement agreement is in place.

7. Website Use

7.1 Informational Content

All website content is provided for informational purposes only and does not constitute professional advice or create a client relationship.

7.2 Accuracy

While we strive for accuracy, we do not warrant that website content is complete, current, or error-free.

7.3 Third-Party Links

Our website may include links to third-party sites. We are not responsible for their content, policies, or practices.

8. Modifications to These Terms

We may update these Terms from time to time. The effective date above indicates when changes take effect. Continued use of our website or engagement with us constitutes acceptance of any revised Terms.

9. Governing Law

These Terms are governed by the laws of the Republic of South Africa. Any disputes shall be subject to the exclusive jurisdiction of South African courts.

Important Notice

These Terms of Use reflect our selective, discretion-based approach to historical documentation. They are designed to protect both the integrity of the historical record and the rights of those who entrust us with their materials. For project-specific terms, including confidentiality arrangements, intellectual property rights, and scope of work, please refer to the applicable written project agreement. For questions regarding these Terms or to discuss a potential engagement, please contact us. 
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