Promotion of Access to Information Manual (PAIA)
NewBridge Graduate Institute
This manual is published in accordance with the requirements of the Promotion of Access to Information Act, 2000 (Act 2 of 2000) (PAIA). Its purpose is to help individuals understand how they may request access to information held by NewBridge Graduate Institute, subject to the provisions of PAIA and other applicable laws.
02Understanding PAIA and your right to information
The Promotion of Access to Information Act, 2000 (PAIA) gives every person in South Africa the right to access information that is held by the state or by private bodies such as NewBridge Graduate Institute, provided that the information is required to exercise or protect a right. This means that if you need access to certain information to understand, protect, or enforce your rights, you may request it under PAIA.
At NewBridge Graduate Institute, you might use PAIA to request information that is not already publicly available on our website or in our published materials. For example, you could request records related to your student status, policies or procedures that affect you, or information you need to address a specific concern. Some information is automatically available (like programme information or fee schedules), but for anything else, you can submit a request using the form included in this manual. Requests are considered carefully, and while access may sometimes be limited by law (to protect privacy, confidentiality, or other rights), our aim is to deal with requests openly, fairly, and promptly.
We suggest approaching a member of the management team directly if the information is relevant to you and your rights. A formal process is available when needed.
03Considerations in granting or refusing access
When NewBridge Graduate Institute receives a PAIA request, the Information Officer will carefully consider it in line with the Act.
Protection of rights
Access will generally be granted if the information is required to exercise or protect a legal right.
Confidentiality and privacy
Requests may be refused if they would unreasonably reveal personal information about another individual.
Commercial and academic confidentiality
Information that is legally confidential, such as certain staff, student or business records, may be protected.
Safety and security
Access may be refused if disclosure could endanger a person or the security of property or systems.
Public interest
Where competing rights or interests exist, the decision will balance fairness, transparency and the public interest.
Where access is refused, the requester will be informed of the reasons and their rights to appeal or seek review.
04Guide on how to use PAIA
A guide to the use of PAIA is available from the South African Human Rights Commission (SAHRC).
Website: www.sahrc.org.za or on the Department of Justice websites.
05Categories of information held by NGI
Information may be requested, subject to applicable restrictions, in the following broad categories:
Corporate records
Governance documents, policies and procedures.
Academic records
Student admission requirements, programme information and graduation requirements.
Staff records
Employment policies and staff-related information.
Financial records
Audited financial statements and fee structures.
Student-related records
Student rules, code of conduct and disciplinary procedures.
Published information
Other information published on the Institute’s official website.
06–08Access, requests and availability
Records that are automatically available can be found on our website, www.ngi.ac.za, or in one or more published forms of information. Other records may have to be formally requested under PAIA.
Describe the record
Provide enough detail for the Information Officer to identify the information you need.
Explain the right
State which right you wish to exercise or protect and why the record is required.
Submit your request
Complete the form below. Applicable fees may be charged in line with PAIA regulations.
This manual is available on the NewBridge Graduate Institute website and by request from the Information Officer.
Submit a PAIA request
Complete the form below. Your request will be sent directly to the Information Officer at registrar@ngi.ac.za.