1.3.
The purpose of PAIA and how it can be
used
The purpose of PAIA is to promote the right of access to information, to foster a culture of
transparency and accountability in South Africa, and to encourage an open democracy
where individuals from all walks of life are empowered to engage with government and
participate in decisions which affect their lives.
The right of access to information is a unique right as it enables the realisation of other
human rights: this is one of the most important ways in which PAIA can be used.
Provision of
government services
Civil and political
constitutional rights
Discimination and
Equality
•PAIA can be used to
empower people with
information with which to
hold government account
on their provision of basic
services such as housing,
water and sanitaiton.
•PAIA can be used to
gather information which
individuals can use for
exercising rights such as
the right to vote and the
right to freedom of
assembly.
•PAIA can be used as an
advocacy tool to fight
discrimination, such as
discrimination on the
basis of race, gender, etc,
in various public or
private bodies.
It is important to note that PAIA cannot be used to obtain records for use
during civil or criminal legal proceedings, including after the commencement of such
proceedings, and if the production or access to the record for this same purpose is
protected by law (see Section 7 of the Act).
South African Human Rights Commission
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