South African History Archive PAIA Resource Kit
SAHA provides assistance with PAIA requests through their Freedom of Information Programme – see more details here.
Open Democracy Centre webpage on PAIA legislation
ODAC also runs a helpline for whistleblowers: 0800-525-352
You can find a copy of PAIA and information request forms here on our website. The Centre will assist you with submission of these requests should the information in question relate to the exercise of environmental rights.
You must always comply with the relevant PAIA manual and send your request to the designated Information Officer. See:
- Department of Environmental Affairs PAIA Manual
- Department of Water Affairs PAIA Manual
- Department of Mineral Regulation PAIA Manual and Contact Details for DMR Regional Managers
There are, however, often junior officials within these departments who are responsible for various administrative aspects relating to PAIA requests, such as receiving payment, assigning reference numbers or referring the request to the right directorate. Submitting your requests to these officials (in addition to the designated Information Officer) is the fastest way to get your request on the right desk!
Click here for our Quick Guide on Using PAIA to Access Information on Environmental Governance - this contains practical information on improving your chances of getting your PAIA request processed by the Department of Mineral Resources, the Department of Water Affairs, the Department of Environmental Affairs and certain other institutions.
Contact details of government officials change and personnel changes are frequent. While we will endeavour to keep this document as up to date as possible, always double check that your request has reached the right person.
If you want to submit a request to provincial government, then you might find this document useful:
We always recommend that you check the information in any PAIA manual or directory before you rely on that information.
If you are having difficulties in getting responses to PAIA requests, you can contact:
Watch this space for further updates.