PAIA Manual

1. Introduction:

This document, the PAIA Manual, is prepared in accordance with the provisions of the Promotion of Access to Information Act, No 2 of 2000 (“PAIA”). GAAAP Pty Ltd, herein referred to as “GAAAP,” is committed to upholding the principles of transparency and the right to access information.

2. Information Officer:

The designated Information Officer for GAAAP is:

Name: Birgit Schack

Email: birgit@gaaap.co.za

Contact Number: 0719518568

3. Section 51(1)(a) of PAIA:

Purpose and Commitment to Transparency:

At GAAAP, we are committed to transparency and open communication. Section 51(1)(a) of PAIA guides us in providing you with essential information about our organization. Our commitment to openness reflects our dedication to fostering trust and collaboration within the conservation community.

 

Information Officer:

Our appointed Information Officer is responsible for managing information requests and ensuring compliance with PAIA. You can find the contact details for our Information Officer above.

Information Request Process:

If you require information or have inquiries about our operations, you can initiate a request by following the outlined process:

• Formal Request Submission:

Send a formal written request to our Information Officer via Email.

Specify the details of the information you are seeking.

• Response Time:

We are committed to responding to information requests promptly and within the legally stipulated time frames. In the event of an extension of time, the requester will be notified.

Access to Information:

Where applicable and in accordance with the law, we will provide access to the requested information.

Grounds for Refusal:

In accordance with PAIA, there are specific grounds for refusing access to information. These will be communicated if applicable.

Feedback and Continuous Improvement:

Your feedback on our information disclosure processes is valuable. We are continually working to enhance our systems, and your input aids in our commitment to improvement.

This section underlines our dedication to facilitating access to information while maintaining compliance with PAIA regulations. If you have any questions or need further clarification, please feel free to contact our Information Officer.

4. Guide on How to Use the Manual:

This manual serves as a comprehensive guide to assist individuals in accessing information held by GAAAP. The procedures outlined herein are to be followed when requesting access to records.

5. Records Available:

GAAAP maintains various records essential to its operations, including:

Financial Records: Donations, financial statements, and transactions.

Governance Documents: Articles of Association, policies, and governance guidelines.

Operational Records: Information on day-to-day activities and projects.

Fundraising Activities: Records related to fundraising initiatives.

Due to the sensitive nature of certain conservation organizations, the request to access their information may be denied or redirected to the conservation in questioning.

6. Access to Certain Records:

Specific records are automatically available to the public, such as annual reports, publicly available financial statements, and governance policies accessible on the official GAAAP website.

7. Request Procedures:

Requests for access to information must be made in writing using Form C (Request for Access to Record). The form is obtainable from the GAAAP website, our office, or by request from the Information Officer.

8. Fees Structure:

GAAAP charges a ZAR 150 fixed base request fee and additional fees based on the nature and extent of the request. The requester will be informed of any additional fees payable.

Additional Charges for Complexity: ZAR 100 for low complexity, ZAR 200 for moderate complexity. Hourly Rate: ZAR 250 per hour for high complexity requests.

*Requests will only be processed once proof of payment of the request fee is received:

EFT

Bank: FNB/RMB

Account Holder: Gaaap (pty) ltd

Account Type: Gold Business Account

Account Number: 63071857074

Branch Code: 250655

 

Proof of Payment: finance@gaaap.co.za

Reference: Name and ID Number

 

9. Remedies Available in Law:

If a request is denied, the requester has the right to appeal to the Information Officer. Further remedies are available under PAIA, and legal advice may be sought.

10. Availability of the Manual:

This manual is accessible on the official GAAAP website [ www.gaaap.co.za ]. Requesters can also obtain a copy directly from the Information Officer.

This PAIA Manual is subject to an annual review and amends to ensure its compliance with PAIA and alignment with the activities and objectives of GAAAP Pty Ltd.