Promotion of Access to Information Act (PAIA) Manual
Last Updated: July 2026
The Promotion of Access to Information Act, 2000 (PAIA) grants the public the right to access information held by public and private bodies. Daisy Business Solutions (Pty) Ltd ("Daisy") is committed to transparency and compliance with PAIA requirements. This manual describes the procedures for requesting access to information held by our organisation.
1. Introduction to PAIA
PAIA is South African legislation that gives the public the right to:
- Request access to records held by government agencies (public bodies)
- Request access to records held by private companies and organisations (private bodies) if those records are needed to exercise or protect a right
- Obtain reasons for decisions affecting them
- Lodge complaints if information is unlawfully withheld
Daisy Business Solutions complies with PAIA by maintaining organised information systems and responding to legitimate access requests within statutory timeframes.
2. Categories of Information Daisy Holds
Corporate & Administrative Records
- Board meeting minutes and resolutions
- Company policies and procedures
- Employee and HR records (subject to privacy protections)
- Financial statements and audit reports
- Tax compliance documentation
- Risk management and compliance records
Operational Records
- Customer contracts and agreements
- Service delivery documentation
- Product specifications and technical data
- Marketing materials and communications
- Supplier and partner agreements
Legal & Compliance Records
- Legal opinions and correspondence
- Regulatory compliance reports
- Insurance policies and claims
- Data protection and privacy documentation
- POPIA compliance records
Excluded Information
The following information is not publicly available under PAIA:
- Personal information of employees (protected under POPIA)
- Trade secrets and proprietary business information
- Confidential customer data (protected under POPIA)
- Legal advice protected by attorney-client privilege
- Information that would harm Daisy's commercial interests
3. How to Request Access to Information
Step 1: Prepare Your Request
Submit a written request that includes:
-
Your Details:
- Full name
- Physical and/or email address
- Contact telephone number
- Preferred method of communication
-
Request Particulars:
- Clear description of the record(s) you seek
- Specific dates, file names, or reference numbers (if known)
- How the information relates to you (if applicable)
- The right you wish to exercise or protect
-
Preferred Format:
- Specify how you want to receive the information (email, printed copy, electronic media, etc.)
- Note any reasonable accessibility requirements
Step 2: Submit Your Request
Send your written request to:
Daisy Business Solutions (Pty) Ltd
PAIA Request Officer
16 Peter Place, Bryanston, 2191, Johannesburg, South Africa
Email: paia@daisysolutions.co.za
Postal Address: 16 Peter Place, Bryanston, 2191
Phone: 011 244 5000 (ask for PAIA Officer)
Do NOT submit requests via regular website contact forms. Use the dedicated PAIA email address above.
Step 3: Proof of Identity
For security purposes, you must provide proof of identity with your request:
- Valid ID number (South African ID, passport, driver's license)
- Certified copy if submitting by post
4. Timeline & Response
Daisy will acknowledge your request in writing within five (5) business days and respond to your request as follows:
Approval Process
- Complete requests: Responded to within 30 calendar days from date of receipt
- Requests requiring clarification: We may contact you for additional details; this extends the deadline
- Voluminous requests: If your request is extensive, we may request an extension (up to 30 additional days)
- Estimated cost notification: If copying/postage costs exceed R50, we will notify you of the estimated cost
Fees
- Search and retrieval: Free for first request; subsequent requests may incur administrative fees
- Photocopying: R0.50 per page
- Postage or courier: Actual costs incurred
- CD/USB provision: R25.00 per disk
You have the right to request a fee waiver or reduction based on financial hardship.
5. Grounds for Refusal
Daisy may refuse or limit access to information if:
Legal Grounds
- The information is protected by attorney-client privilege or litigation privilege
- The record is protected by commercial confidentiality (trade secrets, business strategy)
- The record contains personal information of third parties (employees, customers) and disclosure would violate their privacy
- Disclosure would breach third-party contractual obligations
- The information relates to national security, state security, or public safety
- Disclosure would compromise law enforcement investigations
- The record is subject to legal proceedings
Daisy's Discretionary Grounds
- The record does not exist or cannot be found after reasonable effort
- The request is frivolous, vexatious, or an abuse of the access right
- The information is the subject of pending negotiations or internal deliberations
In cases of refusal, Daisy will provide written reasons and inform you of your right to appeal.
6. Challenging Denials & Appeals
Internal Appeal
If your request is denied, you may appeal in writing within 30 days to:
Daisy Business Solutions (Pty) Ltd
PAIA Appeal Officer
16 Peter Place, Bryanston, 2191, Johannesburg, South Africa
Email: paia.appeal@daisysolutions.co.za
Your appeal must include:
- Original request and denial letter
- Reasons for your appeal
- Any new information supporting your request
The PAIA Appeal Officer will respond within 30 days with reasons for the decision.
External Appeal
If you are unsatisfied with Daisy's response, you may lodge an appeal with:
Information Regulator of South Africa (IRSA)
1st Floor, Lohatla Offices
27 Stiemens Street, Braamfontein, Johannesburg, 2001
Website: https://www.justice.gov.za/inforeg/
Email: complaints@inforegulator.org.za
Phone: 011 765 3600
The Information Regulator may review Daisy's decision and make binding determinations.
7. PAIA Request Form
You may use the form below or submit your own written request containing the required information.
Requestor Details
- Full Name: ___________________________
- ID Number: ___________________________
- Email: _________________________________
- Phone: _________________________________
Record Details
- Describe the record(s) you seek: ___________________________
- Dates or reference numbers (if known): ___________________________
- How does this information relate to you? ___________________________
- Preferred format: [ ] Email [ ] Printed [ ] Other: ___________
Submit to: paia@daisysolutions.co.za
8. Daisy's PAIA Responsibilities & Commitment
Daisy commits to:
- Transparency: Maintaining accessible records and clear procedures
- Prompt response: Meeting statutory timeframes for all requests
- Fairness: Considering requests objectively and protecting legitimate confidentiality
- Accessibility: Providing information in accessible formats where practicable
- Training: Ensuring PAIA Officers are trained and available
- Appeals: Operating a fair and timely appeals process
9. Contact Information
PAIA Request Submissions
Email: paia@daisysolutions.co.za
Phone: 011 244 5000 (ask for PAIA Officer)
Postal: Daisy Business Solutions, 16 Peter Place, Bryanston, 2191
PAIA Appeal Submissions
Email: paia.appeal@daisysolutions.co.za
General Inquiries
Phone: 011 244 5000
Email: info@daisysolutions.co.za
10. South African Regulatory Resources
Information Regulator of South Africa:
https://www.justice.gov.za/inforeg/
PAIA Guidance & FAQs:
https://inforegulator.org.za/paia/