PAIA Workshop Guide

The PAIA Workshop Guide is SAHA's latest addition to our steadily building collection of training resources and publications. The Workshop Guide has been developed through the Freedom of Information Project: Capacity-building in the Community-based Sector (PAIA). During this training, SAHA realised that there was a need for a comprehensive training manual that covered all the relevant areas of requesting information in terms of the Promotion of Access to Information Act 2 of 2000 (PAIA). Instead a series of loose documents and PowerPoint presentations, training can now be coordinated in conjunction with this manual. The Workshop Guide can also stand alone as a table-top reference guide for anyone trying to practically engage with PAIA in their everyday.

This PAIA Workshop Guide was made possible through the generous funding of the Ford Foundation.

Downloading the PAIA Workshop Guide

The Guide is divided into four Chapters, which can be downloaded from here:

Chapter One: Introduction to the Freedom of Information Environment (678Kb)

This first chapter deals with value of information, as well as the context of the freedom of information environment. This means outlining such issues as what an information officer and deputy information officer are, as well as the key structures of government you should know, etc.

Chapter Two: Submitting a PAIA Request (447Kb)

This second chapter moves on to the practical steps of submitting a PAIA request. This outlines how to write your request and then the actions you need to take in order to submit that request.

Chapter Three: Records Management (989Kb)

This third chapter moves to records management and the paper and electronic processes needed in order to manage the making of a PAIA request. This includes outlining how to manage the record arising from communications made, as well as monitoring all the relevant timelines that need to be complied with.

Chapter Four: Recourse and Redress (916Kb) 

This final chapter deals with what a requester can do after the refusal, or deemed refusal, of their request. It therefore explains the internal appeals process, as well as the potential avenue of the court system. The appendices for the Guide are also contained here.

The PAIA Resource Kit

The PAIA Workshop works alongside the PAIA Resource Kit. The PAIA Resource Kit is an innovative tool that was developed during the Pilot phase of the Freedom of Information Project: Capacity building in the Community based Sector (PAIA). It is a tool that can be used by anyone wishing to submit a request for information from a public or private body in South Africa in terms of the Promotion of Access to Information Act 2 of 2000 (PAIA); or by anyone wishing to learn more about this important Act.