It is important to note that in general, the Promotion of Access to Information Act (PAIA) legislation creates the framework to the right to access information enshrined in Section 32 of the Constitution of the Republic of South Africa, Act 108 of 1996. The Act places specific compliance requirements on state institutions and private sectors.

PAIA gives the requester the right to lodge a request from the information officer, or head, of a private body. The Act defines a private body as “ the Chief Executive Officer or equivalent officer of the juristic person or any person duly authorised by that office.“.