Newsflash: Important Update from the Information Regulator Regarding PAIA Request Forms
Dear Valued Client,
You may have received a notice from the Information Regulator of South Africa regarding non-compliance with Regulation 7.1 of the PAIA Regulations (2021), specifically the use of Form A, which has been repealed.
Please don’t panic. We’re here to clarify the situation and assure you of your compliance status.
WHY YOU RECEIVED THIS NOTICE
The Regulator has recently issued a blanket reminder to all registered Information Officers, Deputy Information Officers, and PAIA Admin Contacts. This message is part of a general enforcement awareness campaign and not a targeted notice of wrongdoing.
The concern raised is the continued use of the repealed Form A, instead of the prescribed Form 2 (as per Annexure A, Regulation 7).
WHAT’S THE DIFFERENCE?
| Feature | Repealed Form A: NO | Prescribed Form 2: Yes |
|---|---|---|
| Status | No longer valid as of 2021 | Legally required from 2021 onwards |
| Format | Outdated and restrictive | Updated, flexible & cloud-friendly |
| Communication Methods | Traditional only (post, fax) | Includes electronic options (email, cloud transfer) |
| Access to Information | Limited | Modernised for quicker access |
GOOD NEWS: YOU’RE COMPLIANT
If you are subscribed to our Information Compliance product, you have nothing to worry about:
- Your PAIA Manual is up to date, including all amendments introduced through October 2023.
- Your documents already use the correct Form 2.
- No further action is required from your side.
- You are not in violation of any PAIA-related regulations.
If you received the notice anyway, it is likely because the Information Regulator sent this to their entire contact database.
WHAT IF I’M NOT ENROLLED IN THE SERVICE?
If your organisation is not yet using our Information Compliance service, please take this notice as a critical reminder to:
- Review your current PAIA Manual and documentation.
- Replace any old Form A with the updated Form 2.
- Ensure that all access to information processes follow the current 2021 Regulations.
The Information Regulator has scaled up capacity to monitor, investigate, and enforce compliance, including issuing fines for non-compliance.
NEED HELP?
If you’re an existing client and have concerns, please reach out to your dedicated Information Compliance Consultant directly.
For new clients, or those wishing to update their compliance posture, our team is ready to assist you with:
- Full compliance audits
- Updated PAIA and POPIA manuals
- Appointment of Information Officers
- Annual compliance check-ins and training
CONTACT US
Email: info@labournet.com
Phone: 0861 101 828
Website: www.labournet.com
Let us help you stay compliant, confident, and protected.
