Access to information organisations

There is a growing number of organisations and networks dedicated to promoting greater awareness around the right to know as a mechanism for transparent and accountable governance.

Within South Africa, the PAIA Civil Society Network (PAIA CSN) is a growing network of committed working cooperatively to improve the implementation and usage of PAIA, raising awareness about the right amongst citizens, and working with bodies subject to the Act to improve understanding of their obligations in terms of the Act.

The South African Human Rights Commission is the national institution has oversight and monitoring responsibilities to ensure that public and private bodies fulfill their responsibilities in terms of section 32 of the Constitution and sections 14 and 51 of PAIA. Its specific responsibilities in relation to PAIA are outlined in sections 83-85 of the Act. The SAHRC also receives complaints in relation to decisions or the conduct of officials under PAIA.

Read more about the members and work of the PAIA CSN

Read more about the PAIA Unit at the SAHRC

Across the African continent, there has been a significant growth in access to information laws over the last decade, but in many contexts these legal frameworks have not necessarily translated into meaningful implementation that actually enables citizens to access to information about the workings of their governments.

Read more about organisations active in forwarding the right of access to information in Africa

Internationally, organisations and initiatives are working in order to advocate for new laws, and monitor implementation of and compliance with existing laws.

Read more about International ATI organisations and networks.