Introduction
Section 32 of the Constitution guarantees to everyone the right of access to information held by the state and other persons or institutions. The Promotion of Access to Information Act 2 of 2000 (‘PAIA’) provides the framework and procedures for the exercise of the constitutional right to information. The South African Human Rights Commission (‘SAHRC’) plays a key role in the implementation of PAIA. All pertinent information about PAIA, including access to PAIA itself and regulations made under it, is available on the SAHRC website.
The University of South Africa is fully committed to the implementation of PAIA in a positive and proactive manner in order to ensure that information under its control is available and accessible, and thus to give effect to the letter and spirit of the fundamental right of access to information and of the constitutional principles governing public administration.
PAIA applies to all recorded information under the control of the University, and, if properly applied, will promote transparency, accountability and effective governance at the University. It goes without saying that an institution like UNISA will have a large and diverse number of records, some of which are publicly available and some of which are not. PAIA contains an elaborate set of provisions regulating the circumstances under which access to university records which are not publicly available must and may be refused.
Moreover, UNISA already has procedures in place for providing access to many of its records. As the intention of PAIA is to enhance access, not stultify it, the management of the University is currently working on procedures to ensure that the application of PAIA will achieve this purpose.
Fees
Fees are payable upon request for access to information - Form C. A request fee is a minimum fee payable for the submission of an application. This amount is currently R35,00 (thirty five rand) per request and is not refundable. Request fees are payable when submitting the request form. An additional deposit may in certain circumstances be levied, depending on the nature (volume) of the information requested, as well as the format in which it is requested. Access fees are payable when a request for access to a record is submitted, excluding a record that contains personal information of the requester. Please note that where at all possible, a quotation for the access fees will first be furnished to the requester.
Process
The application form must be completed in full in accordance with the instructions thereon and must be accompanied by payment or proof of payment of the prescribed fees payable. Application forms can be handed in at the Office of the Legal Advisor, or faxed to (012) 429-8902, or mailed to:
Last modified: 2023/08/07