National PAIA Civil Society Network (PAIA CSN)
The National PAIA Civil Society Network (PAIA CSN) was established in November 2008 in response to the need for greater collaboration and cooperation amongst organisations and individuals working to achieve a culture of openness and accountability through the effective implementation of the Promotion of Access to Information Act 2. of 2000 (PAIA) in South Africa.
The first meeting was held at the University of Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, in February 2009. A set of objectives were set out by participants including a commitment to produce a Shadow Report that detailed statistics and analysed the implementation of PAIA from the civil society perspective. This Shadow Report was presented during the DIO Forum held on Right to Know Day on 28 September 2009 and is now available. The PAIA CSN does not currently have its own website.
> If you are interested in joining this network or would like further information please contact Gabriella Razzano.
The founding members of the National PAIA Civil Society Network (PAIA CSN) are:
Organisational members
The South African History Archive (SAHA)
The South African Human Rights Commission (SAHRC)
The SAHRC has oversight and monitoring responsibilities to ensure that public and private bodies fulfill their responsibilites in terms of section 32 of the Constition and sections 14 and 51 of PAIA. Its specific responsibilities are outlined in sections 83-85 of PAIA.
The South African Human Rights Commission
Open Democracy Advice Centre (ODAC)
A Cape Town based not for profit organisation which promotes openness and transparency in South Africa's developing democracy. Its primary aim is to foster a culture of accountability in the public and private sector. It also aims at assisting people in South Africa in realising their human rights. It offers support and advice on two key pieces of legislation: PAIA and the Protected Disclosures Act of 2000 (PDA).
Open Democracy Advice Centre
Public Service Accountability Monitor (PSAM)
PSAM is a monitoring and research institute based at Rhodes University in Grahamstown which aims to improve public service delivery and the progressive realization of constitutional rights to healthcare, education, social security and housing. PSAM's activities are focused primarily in areas around the Eastern Cape, however, its interest as an organisation extends beyond national borders. PSAM also provides training on holding public bodies accountable to other SADC countries.
Public Service Accountability Monitor
The Nelson Mandela Foundation (NMF)
NMF was established in 1999 to meet the immediate need of its Founder for a personal office on his retirement as President of South Africa. This role remains integral to the NMF, but following Mr Mandela's retirement announcement in 2004, the Foundation is in the process of converting its core function to that of a 'Centre of Memory & Dialogue' capturing in perpetuity the life and times of the Founder.
The Nelson Mandela Foundation
Legal Resources Centre (LRC)
The Legal Resources Centre is an NGO offering legal advice and assistance to vulnerable and/or marginalised members of society. The LRC engages in public interest litigation, including PAIA where its clients, most of whom are NGO's, encounter problems when using the Act to collect evidence for legal matters. LRC were the instructing attorneys in the recent Biowatch PAIA case.
Legal Resources Centre
Individual member
Jonathan Klaaren (member in his independent capacity)
Jonathan Klaaren has extensive legal experience in both South Africa and the U.S.A. One of his main concerns in the last decade has been with the process of creating and refining freedom of information legislation for South Africa.
Indiividuals with a particular interest in PAIA are also members independent of their professional capacity.
Latest members
Khulumani Support Group
Members of the Khulumani Support Group received extensive PAIA training through the Freedom of Information Programme run by SAHA. They are a very active community-based organisation, with a particular focus on issues arising from the Truth and Reconciliation Commission.
Khulumani Support Group
Tshwaranang Legal Advocacy Centre
Members of the Tshwaranang Legal Advocacy Centre received extensive PAIA training through the Freedom of Information Programme run by SAHA. They are a very active legal centre focussed on the rights of women.
Tshwaranang Legal Advocacy Centre
