A request for access to a record that does not fall within the categories identified in Section 5 of this manual must be done formally either via conventional mail, e-mail or fax.
This request should be in the prescribed format as defined in Form C of Annexure B as identified in Government Notice Number 187, Regulation 6. A request form is also available from our offices. The prescribed request fee should be attached (refer to Section 8 of this manual for more details on the fees).
Our Information Officer will respond to your request within 30 days of receiving the request by indicating whether your request for access has been granted.
Please note that an application for access to information can be refused in the event that the application does not comply with the procedural requirements of the Act. In addition, the successful completion and submission of an access request form does not automatically allow the requestor access to the requested record.
The request form must be completed CLEARLY and COMPLETELY in block letter. If there is insufficient space on the printed request form in which to answer a question, additional information must be provided on a separate page that is clearly marked and referenced.
5.1 If access to a record/information is granted, our response will include:
- An indication of the access fee that should be paid upon gaining access (if any);
- An indication of the form in which the access will be granted;
- A notice that you may lodge an application with the court against the access fee to be paid or the form of the access, including guidance on the procedure for lodging the application.
5.2 If access to a record/information is denied, our response will include:
- Adequate reasons for the refusal; and
- Notice that you may lodge an application with the court against the extension and the procedure including the period, for lodging the application.
For details on the procedure, please refer to Chapter 2 of Part 4 of the Promotion of Access to Information Act.
Assuming your request of access is granted, you will be able to gain access to the requested records as soon as is reasonably possible and once the access fee has been paid.
5.3 Access will be granted to a record if the following criteria are fulfilled:
- The record is required for the exercise or protection of any right;
- The requestor complies with the procedural requirements in the Act relating to a request; and
- Access to the record is not refused in terms of any ground for refusal as contemplated in Chapter 4ofPart3oftheAct.