The Information Regulator’s media briefing unpacked PAIA points and gave insights into the state of access to information. These points shed light on successes and areas which need improvement to adhere to PAIA.

PAIA points in the Information Regulator’s media briefing

The Information Regulator’s media briefing dealt with both POPIA and PAIA points.

Political parties compliance: 54% of political parties represented in Parliament displayed non-compliance with PAIA, underscoring the urgent need for enhanced transparency. This takes us back to judgments which reiterate the need for public bodies to comply with PAIA.

JSE-listed companies compliance: all 27 companies assessed showed general compliance. However, specific areas, such as deputy IO designations and PAIA manual production, need some improvement.

Universities and government departments compliance: While progress was noted, universities and government departments showed shortcomings, emphasising the need for improved compliance measures.

Moving forward with PAIA

These assessments highlight the importance of transparency across sectors. By identifying non-compliance and areas for improvement, stakeholders can collaboratively nail down PAIA implementation, safeguarding fundamental rights to access information.

Key PAIA complaints and investigations

The Information Regulator’s media briefing addressed several significant complaints against entities:

  • State Security Agency: this case relates to a request made to access the SSA’s expenditure information. The information relates to services that the African News Agency rendered to the SSA.
  • Competition Commission: this request was to gain access to investigation and merger reports. These reports sought to explain the Commission’s approach to applying the law and public powers when dealing with merger transactions.
  • South African Revenue Service: a complaint revolving around access to former President Jacob Zuma’s tax returns is under consideration, following a previous case remitted by the Constitutional Court.
  • Sibanye Stillwater Limited: this complaint concerns a request for annual compliance reports for the Eastern and Western platinum mines’ social labour plans. The annual 11 compliance reports that the complainant requires access to relate to progress on community projects that the mines undertake to implement as part of their licensing requirements.

The Information Regulator’s insights from these assessments and investigations present an opportunity for stakeholders to prioritise transparency and accountability. When organisations make the effort to be PAIA compliant, we move towards a more open and democratic society.