PAIA & Information Officer

PAIA Notice & Information Officer Details

Last Updated: August 2026

What Is PAIA?

The Promotion of Access to Information Act (PAIA), 2000 is a South African law that gives people the right to access information held by public and private bodies. This promotes transparency and accountability.

Precision VirtuDesk Co. is a private company and is subject to the provisions of PAIA. We are committed to complying with requests for information in accordance with the law.

1. Information Officer Details

2. How to Submit a PAIA Request

To request access to information held by Precision VirtuDesk Co., follow these steps:

Step 1: Submit Your Request in Writing

Send a written request (email is acceptable) to the Information Officer at:

• Email: precisionvirtudesk@gmail.com
• Subject line: "PAIA Request"

Step 2: Include Required Information

Your request must include:

• Your full name and contact details
• Clear description of the information requested
• The form in which you prefer to receive the information (e.g., email, printed copy)
• Your reason for the request (optional but helpful)

Step 3: Timeline

• Acknowledgment: Within 5 business days
• Response: Within 30 days (may be extended by 30 days for complex requests)
• Appeal: If denied, you may appeal to the Company within 30 days

3. Categories of Information We Hold

Precision VirtuDesk Co. may hold the following categories of information:

• Business plans and financial records
• Service agreements and quotations
• Company policies and procedures
• Client communication (subject to confidentiality & POPIA)
• Employment and contractor records
• Marketing and branding materials

4. Grounds for Refusal

We may refuse or limit access to information in the following cases:

• Trade secrets: Information that would harm competitive advantage
• Third-party privacy: Information about individuals or other companies (subject to POPIA)
• Legal privilege: Attorney-client communications
• Confidentiality: Information bound by non-disclosure agreements
• Safety/Security: Information that could pose a risk to safety
• Public interest: Overriding public interest exemptions per PAIA

5. Fees

• Application fee: R50 (waived for requests in the public interest)
• Access fee: Charged only for material, copying, postage, or preparation costs (actual cost basis)
• Estimate: We will provide cost estimate before processing

6. Appeal Process

If your PAIA request is refused or partially refused:

Internal Appeal

• Recipient: Information Officer (same contact details as above)
• Timeline: Appeal within 30 days of refusal
• Content: Explain why you believe the refusal was unlawful
• Decision: Within 30 days

External Appeal (South African Human Rights Commission)

If you disagree with the internal decision, you may lodge an appeal with:

• South African Human Rights Commission (SAHRC)
• Website: www.sahrc.org.za
• Process: Follow SAHRC procedures for external appeals

7. PAIA & POPIA Relationship

PAIA requests may be limited by POPIA (Protection of Personal Information Act). We protect personal information and will not disclose it without consent, except where lawfully required or in the public interest.

• Personal information: May be withheld to protect privacy
• Client confidentiality: Protected under both PAIA and POPIA
• NDA-bound information: Will not be disclosed

8. Company PAIA Manual

As required by PAIA, Precision VirtuDesk Co. maintains records of:

• Company structure and contact details
• Records held and how to request them
• Information Officer contact details
• Policies and procedures

The full PAIA Manual is available upon written request to the Information Officer.

9. Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Do I need to provide a reason for my request?

A: No. PAIA requests may be made without reason, though providing context helps us respond accurately.

Q: How much will my request cost?

A: We charge only the actual cost (copying, postage, materials). We'll provide an estimate upfront.

Q: Can I request information about other clients?

A: Not without their consent, as it's protected under POPIA privacy law.

Q: How long will my request take?

A: Standard timeline is 30 days. Complex requests may take up to 60 days.

Q: Can I appeal if refused?

A: Yes. You have the right to internal and external appeals under PAIA.

10. Contact for PAIA Requests

All PAIA requests should be directed to:

• Email: precisionvirtudesk@gmail.com (Subject: "PAIA Request")
• WhatsApp: +27 73 166 8879 (submit request in writing for record)
• Response timeframe: Acknowledgment within 5 business days; response within 30–60 days

Transparency & Accountability: We are committed to PAIA compliance and transparent information practices. If you have questions about accessing information from Precision VirtuDesk Co., contact the Information Officer.