This year marks the 10th anniversary of International Right to Know Day. Held annually on 28 September, the day aims to raise awareness of the right of access to information. Freedom of information activists from around the world utilise the day to promote this fundamental human right and to campaign for open, democratic societies in which there is full citizen empowerment and participation in government.
This year SAHA will be hosting a programme of activities in the week leading up to the day aimed at increasing awareness and utilisation of the right in South Africa.
PAIA training for lawyers
Date: 25 September 2012
Time: 13:00 - 17:00
Venue: Constitutional Hill, Braamfontein
RSVP: Contact the South African History Archive by 11 September 2012
A workshop aimed at increasing the capacity of lawyers to assist clients in utilising and enforcing the right to information under the Promotion of Access to Information Act (PAIA). The workshop will examine the requirements of PAIA and leading jurisprudence in respect of the right, as well as highlighting the power of the right in enabling clients to enforce other socio-economic rights.
PAIA training for paralegals
Date: 27 September 2012
Time: 09:00 - 13:00
Venue: Constitutional Hill, Braamfontein
RSVP: Contact the South African History Archive by 11 September 2012
A workshop aimed at increasing the capacity of paralegals to assist clients in utilising and enforcing the right to information under PAIA. The workshop will examine the requirements of PAIA and leading jurisprudence in respect of the right, as well as highlighting the power of the right in enabling clients to enforce other socio-economic rights.
Dialogue forum and website launch
Date: 26 September 2012
Time: 08:30 - 16:00
Venue: Constitutional Hill, Braamfontein
RSVP: Contact the South African History Archive by 11 September 2012
A dialogue forum in which academics, activists and representatives from chapter 9 institutions will examine the right to information in South Africa. When PAIA was introduced in 2000 it was heralded as representing a new golden standard in access to information legislation. However, more than a decade later an information culture in South Africa remains nascent. The implementation of the right has been hindered by a number of inter-related factors including the historical, cultural and socio-economic context, as well as the specific requirements of PAIA itself. At the same time, the once unique aspect of the law - the right of access to information of private bodies - has largely been left unexplored. Furthermore, since the introduction of PAIA, legislative developments across the globe, and in particular on the African continent, have seen the introduction of more progressive laws, which, if introduced in South Africa, would arguably improve the realisation of the right. Panels of experts will examine the implementation challenges associated with the right and consider what steps must be taken by government and civil society to transform the right from paper to reality.
SAHA's Freedom of Information Programme will also be launching a new website at the dialogue forum. The site will provide a wealth of information for freedom of information activists and those interested in keeping abreast of developments in respect of the right, including a news service; local, regional and international freedom of information laws and jurisprudence; academic and training resources; and details of activists from around the world. It will also allow users to track requests for information made by SAHA and other right to information activists in South Africa, providing details of information requested; progress in respect of requests, such as details of communication sent, response times, and whether access has been granted or denied; and allow users to download copies of information received in response to requests.
If you would like to know more about these events, or to register your attendance, please contact the South African History Archive.
