Promotion of Access to Information Act

(ACT 2, 2000)

SECTION 51 MANUAL

for

Beta Chemicals CC

Introduction

The Promotion of Access to Information Act gives effect to the constitutional right of access to any information held by the state or any private body that is required for the exercise or protection of any rights. The Act sets out the requisite procedures for any such requests for information. In terms of the Act, where a request for information is made, there is an obligation to provide the information, except where the Act, expressly provides that the information may not be released. In that context, Section 9 of the Act recognises that access to information can be limited. The limitations relate, among other things, to the protection of privacy, commercial confidentiality, and effective, efficient and good governance.

Beta Chemicals CC is a specialty chemical company serving the agricultural, chemical processing, coatings, engineering, leather & tanning, textile, food processing, marine, wool processing industries and also serving institutions.

Particulars in terms of the SECTION 51 MANUAL 

The Guide will be available from the South African Human Rights Commission by not later than August 2003. Please direct any queries to:

The South African Human Rights Commission:

PAIA Unit, The Research and Documentation Department

Postal address:

Private Bag 2700 

HOUGHTON 2041

Telephone: 011 484-8300

Fax: 011 484-0582

Website: www.sahrc.org.za

E-mail: PAIA@sahrc.org.za

 

                              Procedures:

The requester must use the prescribed form to request access to a record. This must be submitted to the Managing Director of the Company at the address indicated above.

The requester must provide sufficient detail on the request form to enable the Company to identify the record(s) required and the requester. The form of access required must also be indicated. If any manner (other than a written reply) is to be used to inform the requester of the result of the request, the requester must provide the necessary particulars.

The requester must identify the right that is sought to be exercised or to be protected and provide an explanation of why the requested record is required for the exercise or protection of that right.

If a request is made on behalf of another person, the requester must also submit proof of the capacity in which the requester is making the request to the satisfaction of the Managing Director.

                               Fees:

A requester who seeks access to a record containing personal information about that requester is not required to pay a request fee. Every other requester must pay the required request fee. The requester may lodge an application to the court against the tender or payment of the request fee.

The Managing Director will make a decision whether or not to grant the request and will inform the requester in writing. If the request is granted then a further access fee must be paid to the company for the search, reproduction and preparation of the record(s).

           The Minister of Justice and Constitutional Development has not made any regulations in this regard.

          This manual is also available for inspection free of charge at the offices of Beta Chemicals CC upon prior arrangement.