The Promotion of Access to Information Act 2 of 2000

Unlock the power of transparency with this clear and accessible overview of South Africa’s Promotion of Access to Information Act (PAIA) 2 of 2000. This presentation breaks down the Act’s objectives, scope, and practical application—showing how it empowers individuals, strengthens accountability, and promotes good governance in both public and private sectors.

Whether you’re a law student, legal practitioner, compliance officer, journalist, or engaged citizen, this resource offers a concise yet comprehensive guide to understanding your constitutional right of access to information.

Key highlights include:

Section 9 Objectives: Balancing the right to information with privacy and other constitutional rights.

Public vs. Private Bodies: Who is bound by PAIA and how records must be managed.

Application Process: Step-by-step guidance on making requests under the Act.

Grounds for Refusal & Remedies: When access may be denied and what recourse is available.

Public Interest Overrides: How transparency can outweigh secrecy in matters of accountability.

This SlideShare is designed to be practical, visually clear, and academically reliable, making it an essential reference for anyone navigating South Africa’s information rights landscape.

👉 Perfect for students preparing for exams, professionals drafting compliance manuals, or activists advocating for open governance.

1. PAIA

2. Promotion of Access to Information
Act 2 of 2000

3. SECTION 9 OBJECTIVES
SUMMARISED
Gives effect to the constitutional right of access to info held
by the state or another person, that is required for the
exercise/protection of rights (Section 32 of Chapter 2 of
Constitution).

4. SECTION 9 OBJECTIVES
SUMMARISED
Gives effect to right subject to limitations that enable the
reasonable protection of privacy, balances with other rights
enshrined in Chapter 2 of Constitution.

5. SECTION 9 OBJECTIVES
SUMMARISED
Establishes mechanisms for obtaining records in the
exercise of the constitutional right.

6. SECTION 9 OBJECTIVES
SUMMARISED
Promotes transparency, accountability and effective
governance of public and private bodies.

7. SECTION 1 BODIES
Public Bodies
•Department of state;
•Institutions that performs duties in
terms of Constitution or public function
in terms of legislation.
Private Bodies
•Natural person who carries on business;
•A partnership which carries on
business;
•Former or existing juristic person.

8. RECORD
A N Y F O R M O R M E D I U M +
I N P O S S E S S I O N O F P R I V A T E / P U B L I C B O D Y

9. APPLICATION OF PAIA
Section 4 –Records held by Private/Public bodies.
Section 5 –Act exists to the exclusion of other legislation.
Section 7 –Act does not apply for purposes of criminal and
civil proceedings that have already commenced.

10. REQUESTER
N A T U R A L P E R S O N / J U R I S T I C P E R S O N O R
A C T I N G O N B E H A L F

11. SECTION 18
REQUEST

12. SECTION 14
MAN UAL

13. SECTION 19
ASSISTAN CE

14. SECTION 22
FEES

15. PART 3,
CHAPTER 4
REFUSAL
GROUN DS

17. SECTION 27
DEEMED
REFUSAL

18. SECTION 46
PUBLIC
IN TEREST

19. REMEDIES
https: //inforeg ula tor. org . z
a /compla ints/
Part 4, Chapter 1 –
Internal appeal.
Part 4, Chapter 2 –Court. Information Regulator -
https://inforegulator.org.z
a/complaints/

20. THANK YOU