(MISA/IFEX) – South Africa’s “Promotion of Access to Information Act” has come into operation, with the exception of four sections. The act gives effect to the constitutional right of access to information, as envisaged in the constitution. The act regulates the right of access to any information held by the state and private bodies and […]
(MISA/IFEX) – South Africa’s “Promotion of Access to Information Act” has come into operation, with the exception of four sections. The act gives effect to the constitutional right of access to information, as envisaged in the constitution. The act regulates the right of access to any information held by the state and private bodies and which is required for the exercise of any rights.
The Special Investigation Units and Special Tribunals Amendment Bill has now been tabled and is the subject of deliberations within the portfolio committee on justice and constitutional development. The bill seeks to amend the Special Investigation Units and Special Tribunals Act, 1996, in order to give effect to a Constitutional Court judgement, which held that someone other than a judge must head a special investigation unit.
The long-awaited Access to Information Act was passed by parliament on 12 March 2001 and contains a set of exemptions that entitle a government department to deny a request for information.
Four sections of the Act, however, have been held back for release at a later stage. These provisions set out procedures for individuals when applying for access to information:
* Section 10 stipulates that the Human Rights Commission must compile a guide in all 11 official languages, detailing how information can be obtained.
* Section 16 requires that the Government Communication and Information Service publish contact details of all information officers representing public bodies, in an accessible phone book.
* Sections 14 and 51 provide for the compulsory compilation of manuals by both public and private bodies.
Source: Business Day
