The Promotion of Access to Information Act 2 of 2000 (PAIA) implements the constitutional right of access to information. Anyone can request information held by the state (and some private bodies) for a fee. Refusals can be appealed internally and reviewed by the Information Regulator or in court. PAIA is widely used by journalists, NGOs, businesses, and individuals seeking evidence for disputes or investigations.
When to hire a paia access to information attorney
- A PAIA request has been refused or ignored.
- You need evidence from a state body for litigation.
- A private body is withholding information relevant to your rights.
- A response has been exempted and you want to challenge the exemption.
- Volume or systemic refusals require legal escalation.
What to expect
Lodge a PAIA request (Form 2 for state, Form A for private). The body has 30 days to respond (extendable). Refusal/non-response allows internal appeal, then Information Regulator or court review. Most disputes focus on whether exemptions (cabinet records, police methods, private confidentiality) genuinely apply.
Typical fees
PAIA request drafting: R5,000-R20,000. Internal appeal: R10,000-R40,000. Information Regulator complaint or court review: R30,000-R150,000+.
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