POPIA aims to protect the privacy and security of personal information processed by public and private bodies. It sets out conditions for the lawful collection, use, storage, and destruction of personal information. PAIA aims to give effect to the constitutional right to access information held by the state or another person that is needed to protect or exercise any rights. It sets out the framework and procedures for requesting such information.
In summary, the main difference between POPIA and PAIA is that POPIA focuses on protecting personal information, while PAIA focuses on access to information.