About FOIP

PLEASE NOTE THAT THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION PROGRAMME WAS CLOSED IN 2019. THIS WEBSITE IS INTENDED AS A RESOURCE ABOUT FOIP.

The Freedom of Information Programme is dedicated to extending the boundaries of freedom of information in South Africa by:

• creating awareness of the right to information and its power as an enabling right that can be used to protect, promote and fulfil other human rights;
• empowering individuals and organisations to understand and utilise the Promotion of Access to Information Act (PAIA) as a strategic advocacy tool; and
• increasing compliance with, and the use of, PAIA.

Access to information is an essential element for a vibrant democracy. When implemented effectively, it facilitates transparency, accountability and good governance. It is an enabling right that, in principle, affords all people the opportunity to access information that can be used to protect, promote and fulfil other human rights.

Section 32(1) of South Africa's Constitution states that everyone has the right of access to any information held by public bodies and any information held by private bodies that is required for the exercise or protection of any right. PAIA is the national legislation which seeks to give effect to that constitutional entitlement.

In the furtherance of its goals, FOIP provides the following services:

• advice and guidance to researchers, individuals and organisations wishing to make PAIA requests;
• workshops aimed at raising awareness about the right to information and the important role that it can play in the achievement of advocacy goals and the protection of rights; and
• capacity building training aimed at increasing the capacity of NGOs to utilise PAIA as a strategic advocacy tool.

FOIP has developed a range of publications aimed at supporting individuals and organisations to raise awareness about, and utilise, the right to information: