PAIA

Promotion of Access to Information Act (PAIA)

The Promotion of Access to Information Act 2 of 2000 (PAIA) is legislation in the Republic of South Africa allowing access to any information held by the State, and any information held by private bodies that is required for the exercise and protection of any rights. It applies specifically to South Africa, but is part of the global drive towards freedom of information. The Act is enforced by the South African Human Rights Commission (SAHRC).

Section 32(1)(a) of the Constitution of the Republic of South Africa, 1996, determines that everyone has a right of access to any information held by the State. Section 32(2) of the Constitution provides for the enactment of national legislation to give effect to this fundamental right. PAIA is the national legislation contemplated in section 32(2) of the Constitution.

Section 9 of PAIA recognises that the right of access to information is subject to certain justifiable limitations aimed at, amongst others:

1. 1. the reasonable protection of privacy;
   2. commercial confidentiality;
   3. effective, efficient and good governance.

Departmental PAIA resources and documents:

• Department of Environmental Affairs PAIA Manual including forms
• Summarised process for requesting access to records at the Department of Environmental Affairs
• Annexure D: Promotion of Access to Information ACT, 2000. Description submitted in terms of section 15(1)
• Annexure A: form A – request for access to record of public body

PAIA Administrator:
Ms Phumzile Sabeka
+27 12 399 9336
Private Bag X447, Pretoria, 0001
psabeka@environment.gov.za