2.2. The PAIA Guide
Section 10 of PAIA requires the Commission to compile and publish an easy to understand
guide to assist in accessing records and documents and exercising one’s right to information.
The guide is sometimes referred to as the ‘Section 10 Guide’.
It provides you with all the information you need to access any records. It also lists the
contact details of government departments and institutions that keep records for the state,
as well as the contact details of various private companies. The Commission is also required
to update this guide at least once every two years.
2.2.1
Where to find the guide
This guide is available in all the official languages of South Africa: English, Afrikaans,
isiNdebele, isiXhosa, isiZulu, Sepedi, Sesotho, Setswana, isiSwati, Tshivenda and Xitsonga.
Copies of the guide can be found at all the Commission’s provincial offices (contact details of
the offices can be found at the end of this Guide). In addition, electronic copies are available
on the Commission’s website (www.sahrc.org.za) and on the websites of the Open
Democracy Advice Centre (ODAC – www.opendemocracy.org.za) and the South African
History Archives (SAHA – www.saha.org.za).
ODAC is a South African non-government organisation that was set up to promote open
democracy by encouraging public and private accountability to the South African
people and assist them in realising their human rights. ODAC has embarked on various
projects to increase awareness of PAIA by South Africans and government institutions.
You will find various useful information and links on their website that will assist you in
understanding PAIA.
South African Human Rights Commission
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