South African Human Rights Commission launches first ever Guide on how to use the

The Chairperson of the South African Human Rights Commission, Jody Kollapen, handed over a copy of the Guide to the Deputy Minister of Justice, Johnny de Lange today, marking the launch of the Guide on how to use the Promotion of Access to Information Act (PAIA), 2000.

The launch which took place at the Commission’s head office in Parktown, attracted guests from Parliament, various national and provincial government departments, hospitals and NGOs.

It is hoped that more South Africans will use the Guide – the first of its kind –  to help them enjoy their right of access to information, for example accessing information about social security grants and housing etc.

The aim of the Guide is to provide assistance to any person who wishes to exercise their rights in terms of the Act, meaning they may request information from government institutions and private companies.  It helps people gain access to a record held by a public or private body.

The Guide is user friendly, easy to understand, and is available in all of the 11 official languages, which in itself is a milestone.

It takes the member of the public through the process of how to go about requesting and accessing information. 

Said De Lange: “This is an important departure from the pre-1994 dispensation. South Africa as a country has a history of authoritarianism and secrecy exercised by both the State and the private sector. Over the last decade we have all been instrumental in cultivating a culture of openness and accountability as envisaged in this Act.

“We all recognise that breaking a culture of secrecy and empowering people with information is key to the consolidation of our democracy. It is against the background of a secretive and unresponsive culture in both the public and private bodies often resulting in human rights violations, that the PAIA intended to introduce a new information regime in our country.”

He added: “The importance of this guide cannot be underestimated. It plays an important empowering role.”

The Promotion of Access to Information Act (PAIA) came into operation on 9 March 2001, with some provisions coming into operation on 15 February 2002.

It affords all persons the right of access to information held by the State, as well as by private bodies that is required for the exercise or protection of any rights. The object of the Act is to foster a culture of transparency and accountability in both the public and private sectors.

The Guide is available on the SAHRC website www.sahrc.org.za and will soon be made available at all offices of government departments, including all municipal offices, libraries and post offices.

For more information contact:

Nazma Dreyer on 011 484 8300 ext 2243 or 0833 846 088

Mothusi Lepheana on 011 484 8300 ext 1198 or  083 444 6459