Promotion of Access to Information Act, 2000
The Promotion of Access to Information Act, 2000 (or PAIA; Act No. 2 of 2000) is a freedom of information law in South Africa. It gives the constitutional right of 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. The Act was previously enforced by the South African Human Rights Commission (SAHRC), but since 1 July 2021 has been enforced by the Information Regulator. Role of Information Officers In terms of PAIA, information officers have a critical role of ensuring the implementation of the Act, by: Receiving and responding to PAIA requests Compiling and submitting Section 14 manuals to the SAHRC Compiling and submitting Section 15 notices to the Minister of Justice and Correctional Services Compiling and submitting Section 32 reports to the SAHRC Compliance Every private body must publish a simple manual in line with Section 51 of the Act. The manual assists persons who wish to request access to information by providing them with the procedures involved, as prescribed by the Act. Much of the South African public and private sectors have yet to comply with this legislation. Reasons for Non-Compliance