Section 32(1)(a) of the Constitution of the Republic of South Africa Act, No. 108 of 1996 provides that everyone has a right of access to any information held by the state and any information held by another person that is required for the exercise or protection of any rights.

The Promotion of Access to Information Act, No. 2 of 2000 (PAIA) is the national legislation enacted to give effect to this Constitutional Right. Promulgated in 2000, PAIA came into operation on 9 March 2001, with sections 14 (public bodies) and 51 (private bodies) effective from 15 February 2002. It ensures access to information held by governmental and private bodies required for the protection of any person's rights.