The day commemorates the importance of the right of access to information as a right necessary for transparency, accountability , good governance in general and for the realisation of various other rights including the right to freedom of expression as well as socio-economic rights. Domestically, the importance of the right of access to information is underscored by its inclusion as a fundamental right in section 32 of the Constitution.

The right to access to information is particularly important within the South African context, given increased instances of poor governance, corruption and irregular spending within South Africa, coupled with systemic violations of socio-economic rights that require access to information to be exposed and remedied.

The constitutional right to access to information finds expression in dedicated legislation, the Promotion of Access to Information Act, 2 of 2000 (PAIA). At present, the Commission is the designated custodian of the PAIA. The PAIA itself has been lauded internationally as constituting best practice in respect of freedom of information legislation, and using PAIA as the basis, the Commission has collaborated with African Commission on Human and Peoples Rights to draft the Model law on  Access to Information for African States. The Commission has furthermore promoted awareness of the PAIA, and sought to improve compliance with the law, for over a decade.

The legislative landscape regulating access to information in South Africa is poised to significantly change in the near future. Once the Protection of Personal Information Act, 4 of 2013 (POPIA) comes into full operation, the Information Regulator will become the custodian of the PAIA. This transition marks a promising development in realising the right of access to information, in the light of the improved enforceability mechanisms at the disposal of the Information Regulator in terms of the PAIA, as amended. The extended enforcement powers entrusted to the Information Regulator will further help to combat a culture of secrecy and its various manifestations such as a lack of accountability and transparency, as well as corruption.

The developments in respect of the right of access to information naturally enjoins the Commission and Information Regulator to partner and co-host the IDUAI celebration.

This year IDUAI will be celebrated under the theme “PAIA almost two decades on: Reflections and Opportunities”. This theme is forward looking in that it marks the imminent handover of PAIA-related functions and powers to the Information Regulator, with a retrospective view to provide an opportunity for reflection on milestones achieved and challenges remaining in the access to information context.

Venue: Southern Sun OR Tambo International
Date: 28th September 2018
Times: 08:00 AM to 13:00 PM
Media are welcome to the event.

Ends


Gail Smith – Spokesperson Tel: 060 988 3792 This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
Gushwell Brooks – Communications Co-ordinator Tel: 082 645 8573 This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.