PAIA Manual
SECTION 10 GUIDE ON HOW TO USE THE ACT
The section 10 Guide on how to use the Act will be available from the South African Human Rights Commission no later than August 2005. Enquiries can be directed to:
The South African Human Rights Commission:
PAIA Unit
Research and Documentation Department
Postal Address: Private Bag 2700
Houghton
2041
Tel: +27-11-484-8300
Website: http://www.sahrc.org.za
Email: PAIA@sahrc.org.za
FORM OF REQUEST FOR ACCESS TO INFORMATION
The requester must use the prescribed form to make the request for access to a record. Request forms can be obtained on the South African Human Rights Commission (SAHRC) web site http://www.sahrc.orq.za. This must be made to the contact person at the address, fax number or electronic mail address given in paragraph 2 of this manual.
The requester must provide sufficient detail on the request form to enable the head of the private body to identify the record and the requester. The requester should also indicate which form of access is required. The requester should also indicate if any other manner is to be used to inform the requester and state the necessary particulars to be so informed.
The requester must identify the right that is sought to be exercised or to be protected and provide an explanation of why the requested record is required for the exercise or protection of that right.
If a request is made on behalf of another person, the requester must then submit proof of the capacity in which the requester is making the request to the satisfaction of the head of the private body.
PRESCRIBED FEES
A requester who seeks access to a record containing personal information about that requester is not required to pay the request fee. Every other requester, who is not a personal requester, must pay the required request fee. The fee structure can be obtained on the SAHRC website http://www.sahrc.orq.za.
The head of the private body must notify the requester (other than a personal requester) by notice, requiring the requester to pay the prescribed fee (if any) before further processing the request.
The fee that the requester must pay to a private body is R50. The requester may lodge an application to the court against the tender or payment of the request fee.
After the head of the private body has made a decision on the request, the requester must be notified in the required form.
If the request is granted then a further access fee must be paid for the search, reproduction, preparation and for any time that has exceeded the prescribed hours to search and prepare the record for disclosure.
OTHER INFORMATION AS MAY BE PRESCRIBED
The Minister of Justice and Constitutional Development has not made any regulations in this regard.
