Full Collection Details

Freedom of Information (FOIP) Programme Collection

South African History Archive (Project creator)

Repository: South African History Archive, University of the Witwatersrand
Reference code: AL2878
Extent: 106 boxes at this time (ongoing additions). One item related to Black Sash
City: Johannesburg
Dated: 1941-2006. Black Sash item from 1987
Scope:Article 32 (1) of South Africa's Constitution states that everyone has the right of access to any information held by both public and private bodies that is required for the exercise or protection of any right. The Promotion of Access to Information Act (PAIA) gives legislative expression to this right. The South African History Archive launched the Freedom of Information Programme (FOIP) in 2001 with the aim of creating awareness of, compliance with and use of PAIA through requests for access to information. After four years of experience in the use of PAIA the programme has built up a comprehensive archive of released materials and has put considered effort into spreading awareness of the importance of access to information in a transparent and accountable democracy. At present, new initiatives are being undertaken to impart experience and knowledge in an effort to empower ordinary citizens to obtain access to information that has a direct impact on their daily lives.

This collection contains copies of materials released pursuant to the Promotion of Access to Information Act (PAIA). Collection includes apartheid era security establishment records, documents created by South African government bodies and agencies post-apartheid, and documents from several private bodies. Also contains documentation of the collection process. Special projects include: the Truth and Reconciliation Commission, in particular sensitive materials; attempts by the SA Defence Force to identify and deal with homosexuals; apartheid government's nuclear weapons programme; HIV/AIDS policies and implementation thereof of private bodies and parastatals; the health and environmental impacts of the nuclear energy industry; and documents relating to migration to and within South Africa. See AL2992 for archival material related to the formation of the Public Access to Information Act.

Records, correspondence, listings, photocopies, clippings. One Black Sash item.

Media: Publications

Themes:Military; Special projects

Administrative / biographical history:Ongoing additions to this collection. Themes incomplete due to insufficient information.

Condition of access / use: Unrestricted
Percentage of collection relevant to Black Sash: 1 - 19%

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Location contact details

Organisation: South African History Archive, William Cullen Library, University of the Witwatersrand
Telephone: 27 (0)11 717 1941
Fax: 27 (0)11 717 1964
Email: admin@saha.org.za
Website: http://www.saha.org.za
Street address: William Cullen Library, University of the Witwatersrand, East Campus, Braamfontein, Johannesburg
Postal address: PO Box 31719
Area: Braamfontein
City: Johannesburg
Postal code: 2017
Province / State: Gauteng
Country: South Africa