The Information Regulator’s portal for submitting PAIA Annual Reports will soon be open.
In terms of section 32 of PAIA, the Information Officer (IO) of every public body must annually submit to the Regulator a report in respect of access to information requests received and processed by the public body. Furthermore, and in accordance with section 83(4) of PAIA, the Heads of Private Bodies (HPBs) or Deputy Information Officers (DIOs) are hereby requested to submit to the Regulator, their Annual Reports about requests for access to records received and processed by the private body.
As part of our efforts to facilitate seamless compliance with PAIA, the Regulator has developed an online submission platform for Annual Reports in terms of sections 32 and 83(4) of PAIA. This functionality is available under the eServices portal at https://eservices.inforegulator.org.za.
The portal for submission of access to information Annual Reports will be accessible from 01 April 2025, and the submission period will close on 30 June 2025. Please note that you will not be able to submit the Annual Report unless the IO, HPB, and DIOs are registered with the Regulator. Step-by-step guides on how to register and submit the Annual Reports are available on the eServices portal and the Regulator’s website. If you are unable to log in to the portal or require assistance, please contact the technical support team at Paia-support@inforegulator.org.za or (010) 023 5200.
Timeline for the 2024/25 PAIA Annual Reporting
- April 1, 2025: The submission portal for PAIA Annual Reports opens.
- June 30, 2025: Deadline for submission of PAIA Annual Reports.
Preparation Checklist
- Register the Accounting Officer: Ensure that your Information Officers, Heads of Private Bodies, and Deputy Information Officers are registered with the Regulator.
- Example: Verify that all officers have completed the registration process on the eServices portal.
- Gather necessary information: Collect all information regarding access to information requests received and processed during the reporting period.
- Review submission guidelines: Familiarise yourself with the step-by-step guides available.
- Test portal access: Log in to the eServices portal in advance to ensure you can access the submission platform without issues.
- Example: Attempt to log in and navigate the portal to confirm your access.
- Prepare early: Start preparing your report early to avoid last-minute technical issues or information discrepancies.
- Example: Gather all necessary documentation well before the submission deadline.
Common reporting mistakes to avoid
- Incomplete information: Ensure all sections of the report are fully completed with accurate information.
- Late submission: Submit your report well before the deadline to avoid any last-minute technical issues.
- Incorrect registration: Verify that all officers are correctly registered with the Regulator before attempting to submit the report.
- Ignoring guidelines: Follow the submission guidelines closely to ensure your report meets all requirements.
- Lack of review: Double-check your report for any errors or omissions before submission.
Importance of Registration and Reporting
Registration and timely reporting are crucial for ensuring compliance with PAIA. By registering your officers and submitting accurate Annual Reports, you help maintain transparency and accountability in the management of access to information requests. This not only fulfills legal obligations but also promotes trust and confidence in your organisation’s commitment to upholding the principles of PAIA.
For any general enquiries relating to the requirement for compliance with sections 32 and 83(4) of PAIA, kindly contact Ms. Sewela Seshoeni at Sseshoeni@inforegulator.org.za, Senior Compliance and Monitoring Officer. You can also contact the Acting Executive responsible for Promotion of Access to Information, Adv. Makhwedi Makgopa-Madisa at MMakgopa-Madisa@infoRegulator.org.za.
