South Africa: Justice Committee Approves Publication of Proposed Amended Promotion of Access to Information Act (PAIA) Court Rules to Enhance Transparency and Access to Justice

The Portfolio Committee on Justice and Constitutional Development today agreed that the Department of Justice and Constitutional Development may proceed with the publication of the proposed amendments to the Rules of Procedure for Applications to Court in terms of the Promotion of Access to Information Act (PAIA). The briefing, presented by the Department on behalf of the Rules Board for Courts of Law, outlined proposed updates to align PAIA court procedures across all judicial levels—including Magistrates’ Courts - with the Uniform Rules of Court. The revised rules are designed to remove procedural bottlenecks, streamline litigation, and prevent respondents from using dilatory tactics to frustrate legitimate requests for access to information. Committee Chairperson Mr Xola Nqola highlighted that granting permission to publish these proposed rules is a vital step toward making the constitutional right of access to information under Section 32 a reality for all South Africans. “As we commemorate 30 years of our Constitution, we must ensure that our justice system actively facilitates, rather than impedes, transparency and accountability. “PAIA was established to dismantle the cultur