The Promotion of Access to Information Act (PAIA) provides the legal framework for the public to access government information as outlined in the Constitution. It promotes transparency and accountability in all government bodies and parastatals, by providing access to government information that is not normally available to the public.
In terms of section 14 of the Promotion of Access to Information Act, each public body must compile a manual outlining its functions, location as well as which information is available to the public and how the public can access such information.
Each of the Western Cape's provincial departments has compiled a manual in terms of the Act. You can view each of these manuals below.
How Do I Access Government Information?
To apply for access to government records under the Act, you will need to complete Form A. You will also need to pay R35.00 before the request can be processed. This can be paid at a cashier at the department that you are requesting information from (see the list below).
You can indicate on Form A whether you want a copy of the record or only want to look at it.
When completing Form A, you can also indicate in which language you would like the record. However, the department is not obligated to translate it to this language.
You may also indicate in what form (ie paper copy, electronic copy) you would like to access the record. This will be supplied unless doing so will interfere with the running of the department or, for practical reasons, access cannot be given in the required medium.
Access fees do not apply to records requested by maintenance officers or maintenance investigators.
Should you need copies of the requested record, for instance, then the access fees will apply.
If your annual income does not exceed R14 712.00 per annum, or if you are married and your combined annual income does not exceed R27 192.00, then you will be exempted from paying access fees.
The access fee payment does not apply to requests for your personal records.
In certain instances, you may also be requested to pay a deposit.
You may lodge an internal appeal against the payment of the deposit and/or access fee. Should you want to lodge an internal appeal, Form C must be completed.
In the event that the internal appeal procedure has been exhausted and you are still not satisfied with the result, a court may be approached for an appropriate court order.
Access to a record will be withheld until all applicable fees have been paid.
You may request information on behalf of another person, but the capacity in which the request is made must be indicated.
If an applicant is unable to read or write, or cannot complete the form because of a disability, the request can be made verbally. The information officer, or a person so delegated, must then fill in the form on behalf of the applicant and give them a copy of the completed form.
Below is a list of cashiers for each provincial department where you can pay the R35 record request fee.