Following the recommendation of the SAHRC regarding exemption of the small private bodies from submitting manuals in terms of section 51 of the Promotion of Access to Information Act, the Minister of Justice and Constitutional Development has issued a statement to the effect that all private bodies other than public companies are exempted from submitting the manuals.

The Public companies are those companies designated by the words “Limited” after their name and private companies are those designated by the words “Proprietary Limited” after their name.

Private companies may have a maximum of 50 shareholders and cannot offer their shares to the public. They are not required to publish annual financial statements. Public companies on the other hand may have an unlimited number of shareholders and may offer their shares to the public, for example on a stock exchange.

Please note that a proper notice or regulation shall be issued by the Department of Justice on the Government Gazette.

Issued by: South African Human Rights Commission
Date: 28 August 2003
For more Information contact: Phumla Mthala
Tel: (011) 484-8300/ 072 338 3872

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