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POPPI & PAIA: Access to Information & Privacy Compliance

Welcome to the POPPI & PAIA page. This page provides essential information and access to the forms related to the Protection of Personal Information Act (POPPIA) and the Promotion of Access to Information Act (PAIA). These laws safeguard your privacy rights and allow you to request access to information held by public and private bodies.

1. What is POPPIA?

The Protection of Personal Information Act (POPPIA) regulates how organizations collect, process, and store your personal information. It ensures that your personal data is handled securely and in accordance with privacy rights.

Key Points of POPPIA:

  • Protects your personal information.
  • Grants you the right to request access, correction, or deletion of your data.
  • Requires organizations to comply with data protection regulations.

2. What is PAIA?

The Promotion of Access to Information Act (PAIA) provides you with the right to request information held by public or private bodies. This law supports transparency and accountability, allowing individuals to access information that is in the public interest.

Key Points of PAIA:

  • Ensures transparency by allowing access to information held by organizations.
  • Grants the right to request information from both public and private bodies.
  • Provides a mechanism for internal appeals and complaints.

3. Available Forms and Requests under POPPIA & PAIA

Below are the relevant forms and instructions for requesting information, filing appeals, and ensuring compliance with POPPIA and PAIA. Please click on the links to access the forms you need.

Request for a Copy of the Guide from Information Officer (IO) – Regulation 5

This form allows you to request a copy of the guide from the Information Officer (IO) of an organization, as required under PAIA Regulation 5.
Download Form: Request for Guide from IO

Request for a Copy of the Guide from the Information Regulator (INFOREG)

If you wish to obtain a copy of the official guide from the Information Regulator, use this form.
Download Form: Request for Guide from INFOREG

Request for Access to a Record

Use this form to request access to a specific record or document held by a public or private body under PAIA.
Download Form: Request for Access to a Record

Outcome of Request and Fees Payable

Once you’ve submitted a request for access to a record, you may receive a decision on the outcome. This form outlines the possible outcomes and any fees associated with your request.
Download Form: Outcome of Request & Fees Payable

Internal Appeal Form

If your request for information has been denied or not fully granted, you can file an appeal with the relevant authority. This form is used to submit your internal appeal under PAIA.
Download Form: Internal Appeal

Complaint Form

If you believe that an organization is not complying with PAIA, you can file a formal complaint. This form allows you to submit a complaint regarding non-compliance.
Download Form: Complaint Form

Request for Compliance Assessment

This form allows individuals to request an assessment of an organization’s compliance with PAIA or POPPIA. It can be used to report possible non-compliance issues.
Download Form: Request for Compliance Assessment

PAIA Guide in English

The official PAIA Guide provides comprehensive information about the promotion of access to information and how to exercise your rights under the Act. You can download the guide in English here.
Download: PAIA Guide (English)

PAIA Guide in IsiZulu

For those who prefer to read the PAIA Guide in IsiZulu, we have provided a version of the guide in the local language.
Download: PAIA Guide (IsiZulu)

Notice to Information Officers (IOs) – Non-Compliance with PAIA

If you believe an Information Officer (IO) is failing to comply with the provisions of PAIA, this notice allows you to formally notify them of their non-compliance.
Download Form: Notice to IOs Non-Compliance with PAIA

4. How to Submit Your Request

To submit your request for access to information or personal data, follow these steps:

  1. Download the relevant form from the list above.
  2. Complete the form with the required information.
  3. Submit the form to the organization’s Information Officer (IO) or the relevant authority. For PAIA requests, this could be a public or private body.
  4. Wait for a response: The authority is required to respond within 30 days. You may be informed if additional time is needed.
  5. Appeals and Complaints: If your request is denied or you feel your rights have been violated, you can submit an appeal or complaint form (as outlined above).

5. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

How long does it take to process a request?

Requests are generally processed within 30 days. If more time is needed, the authority must notify you.

Are there any fees associated with these requests?

Yes, some requests may require payment of a fee. The fee structure varies depending on the type and volume of information requested. For example, access to large records or copies of documents may incur charges.

Can I appeal if my request is denied?

Yes, if your request is denied, you have the right to file an internal appeal using the Internal Appeal Form provided above.

6. Contact Us for Support

If you have any questions or need assistance with any of the forms, feel free to contact us at:

We are here to assist you in exercising your rights under POPPIA and PAIA.