It is now a requirement that all private bodies submit a PAIA section (83)4 report to the Information Regulator. The deadline for this is the 30th June 2024.
The Promotion of Access to Information Act (PAIA) in South Africa mandates that public and private bodies submit annual reports on requests for information. A section 83(4) report should not be confused with a section 32 PAIA report which applies to information officers of public bodies, while the section 83(4) report pertains to private bodies.
The submission process involves several key steps:
- Data collection: Public and private bodies must collect data on all requests for information they have received during the reporting year. This includes details about the number of requests for the period 1 April 2023 to 31 March 2024, the nature of the requests and the outcomes (e.g. granted, denied or pending).
- Report compilation: The collected data is then compiled into an annual report. The report should include statistical information as well as any relevant qualitative data that provides insight into the handling and processing of information requests. Submission is made through the Regulator’s portal and the regulator has indicated that all information requested on the portal is completed in full and accurate, otherwise submissions will be rejected.
- Registration migration: In order to comply with the requirements of the Information Regulator, your organisation must be migrated from the previous registration portal onto the new eServices portal. Note that this is not automatic – you will need to complete this and confirm that your information officer is properly registered prior to completing the migration.
- Updated records: Ensure your PAIA manual is completed and updated and ready for inspection if called for by the Information Regulator
- Publication and analysis: The Department of Justice, through the Information Regulator, may publish summary reports or use the data to inform policy recommendations. They are required to submit reports to the National Assembly.
For help with your annual submission, please contact HRTorQue at [email protected] or through our website at https://www.hrtorque.co.za/contact