Question 1

What is a PAIA manual?

Accepted Answer

A PAIA manual is the document a South African private body must publish under section 51 of the Promotion of Access to Information Act 2 of 2000 (a public body publishes its manual under section 14). It tells you what records the body holds, who its Information Officer is, how to request access to a record, what it costs and what to do if a request is refused.

Question 2

Who is the Information Officer at Wonder Accounts?

Accepted Answer

Wonder Accounts' Information Officer is the executive registered with the Information Regulator under section 55 of POPIA and responsible for PAIA requests. Requests and questions can be sent to privacy@wonderaccounts.co.za or to Wonder Accounts (Pty) Ltd, 103 Preller Square, Dan Pienaar, Preller Walk Shopping Centre Mall, Bloemfontein, Free State, 9301.

Question 3

How do I request access to a record held by Wonder Accounts?

Accepted Answer

Complete Form 2 (Request for Access to a Record) prescribed under the PAIA Regulations and deliver it to our Information Officer by email at privacy@wonderaccounts.co.za or at our registered address. Include a copy of your identity document, enough detail to identify the record, and the form of access you want, such as a copy or electronic file.

Question 4

What does a PAIA request cost?

Accepted Answer

The PAIA Regulations prescribe a request fee, and an access fee may apply once the request is granted. We will tell you the amount, and how to pay it, before we process the request. A personal requester asking for their own personal information does not pay an access fee under section 54(7) of PAIA, and fees may be waived where granting access would benefit the public.

Question 5

How long does Wonder Accounts have to respond to a PAIA request?

Accepted Answer

PAIA requires a decision within 30 days of receiving a valid request. That period may be extended by a further 30 days in limited circumstances, such as a large volume of records or the need to consult a third party, and we will tell you in writing if it is extended.

Question 6

What can I do if Wonder Accounts refuses a request?

Accepted Answer

If access is refused, we will give you written reasons and tell you about your remedies. You may lodge a complaint with the Information Regulator (South Africa) or apply to a court for appropriate relief as provided for in PAIA. You can contact the Information Regulator at inforegulator.org.za or +27 (0)10 023 5200.

Question 7

What is the difference between PAIA and POPIA?

Accepted Answer

PAIA gives you the right to access records held by a public or private body. POPIA protects your personal information and gives you the right to access, correct or delete personal information a body holds about you. You can use either route depending on what you need, and our privacy policy explains how to exercise your POPIA rights.

PAIA Manual