On 17 March 2025, the Information Regulator issued a formal reminder to all public and private bodies to submit their annual reports in terms of the Promotion of Access to Information Act, 2000 (PAIA) by 30 June 2025. The Regulator made it clear that no extensions will be granted. How does this affect you?
Who qualifies as a private body?
Under PAIA, both public and private bodies must comply. A private body includes:
- A natural person conducting or having conducted any trade, business, or profession (in that capacity only);
- A partnership involved in trade, business, or profession;
- A juristic person, either existing or previously established (e.g. companies, non-profits, or close corporations).
Are small businesses included?
Yes. Previously, certain smaller private entities were exempt, but that exemption ended on 31 December 2021. Since then, all private bodies – regardless of size or sector – must comply fully with PAIA.
What does compliance involve?
Private bodies must:
- Maintain and make available a PAIA manual—both at their premises and on their website (if applicable);
- Submit an annual report to the Information Regulator.
What has changed in 2025?
While enforcement in the past was relatively lax, this year marks a shift. The Regulator has issued direct email reminders to registered Information Officers registered under the Protection of Personal Information Act, 2023 (POPIA). This indicates an intensified effort to ensure compliance with PAIA.
Is it difficult to comply?
Not at all. The registration process and annual reporting obligations are straightforward. The Regulator has simplified compliance through its online platforms and offers helpful resources.
Submission Options:
- Regulator’s eServices Portal Submit your PAIA Annual Report directly via: https://eservices.inforegulator.org.za Or access it through the Regulator’s website: https://inforegulator.org.za
- BizPortal (for Private Bodies) In collaboration with the Companies and Intellectual Property Commission (CIPC), private bodies may also submit via: https://bizportal.gov.za
Free PAIA manual templates are also available on the eServices Portal.
For further assistance you may:
- Log a support ticket using the iSupport function on the eServices portal;
- Email: paia-support@inforegulator.org.za; or
- Call: (010) 023 5200
Disclaimer: The material above is provided for general information purposes only and does not constitute legal or professional advice. Neither the author nor the publisher accepts responsibility for any loss or damage that may arise from reliance on information contained in this article.
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