Learn more about access to information

02 October 2025

On Tuesday, 7 October 2025, the City’s Legal Services Department will host an awareness campaign at the Green Point Traffic Department to inform the public about the Promotion of Access to Information Act (PAIA), which provides everyone with the statutory right of access to information held by the State.

The awareness campaign will be hosted from 08:00 to 14:00.

This initiative forms part of the City’s campaign to make residents aware of the PAIA process and how they can apply to the City for access to information.

PAIA gives effect to Section 32 of the Constitution which confirms the public’s right of access to information held by the State, with the exception of records held by the Cabinet, Courts and by members of Parliament and Provincial Legislatures. Therefore, the information in the City’s possession is subject to PAIA.

The act provides voluntary and mandatory mechanisms or procedures to enable people to obtain information swiftly, inexpensively and effortlessly.

The City’s Access to Information Unit has a dedicated walk-in public office, namely the Access to City Records Office in the Cape Town Civic Centre where the unit assists the public with the PAIA process. This includes guidance on completing and submitting PAIA forms, liaising with the relevant City line departments for the provision of records, as well as decisions on outcomes of PAIA applications.

An online service to submit requests, and more information is also available on the City’s website at http://www.capetown.gov.za/City-Connect/Access-information/Request-access-to-information.

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Published by:
City of Cape Town, Media Office