The Freedom of Information Programme (FOIP)

Access to information is an essential element of a vibrant democracy. When implemented effectively, it facilitates transparency, accountability and good governance. It is an enabling right that,in principle, affords all people the opportunity to access information that can be used to respect, protect, promote and fulfill other human rights. In South Africa, freedom of information has evolved through the process of transitioning from the end of apartheid to the establishment of democracy.

Section 32 (1) of South Africa's Constitution states that everyone has the right of access to any information held by both public and private bodies that is required for the exercise or protection of any right. The Promotion of Access to Information Act, No. 2 of 2000 (PAIA) is the national legislation which seeks to give effect to this constitutional entitlement, giving all persons the right to have access to records held by public and private bodies.

In 2001, SAHA launched the Freedom of Information Programme (FOIP) with the aim of creating awareness of, compliance with and use of PAIA by submitting requests for access to information. Since its inception, the programme has built up a comprehensive collection of released materials (archived within SAHA as collection AL2878).

FOIP provides the following services:

• Advice and guidance to researchers, other individuals and organisations wishing to make PAIA requests to either a public or private body

• Assistance with submission of PAIA requests, including requests to access apartheid-era security files

• Assistance with submission of internal appeals upon refusal of access

• Assessment of possible litigation and availability of legal services where internal appeals are rejected by a body and access to information is refused.

FOIP aims to enhance awareness of the importance of access to information and has thus far achieved this goal through a number of presentations given during workshops and seminars and through direct training to a number of groups and organisations. In 2008, FOIP launched its pilot project, the FOIP Capacity Building Project. This pilot project forms the initial stage of a long-term strategy dedicated to building the capacity of the community-based sector in terms of accessing and utilising PAIA as a strategic advocacy tool.

If you would like assistance with submitting a request for access to information in terms of PAIA, please complete the PAIA request form as precisely and comprehensively as possible. Once we have received your completed form, the FOIP team will be in touch to discuss the process of drafting and submitting a request to the relevant body on your behalf.