6

Request for record

An applicant who requires access to a record that is in the custody or control of a public
body shall make a request, in writing, to the public body, giving adequate and precise details to
enable the public body to locate the information so requested.
7

Fees for access to records and related services by public body

Subject to any exemption prescribed under this Act or any other enactment, an applicant
shall be required to pay such fee as may be so prescribed for—
(a) obtaining access to any record; and
(b) any service rendered in connection with the provision of access to any record by the
public body concerned.
8

Duty to assist applicants

(1) The head of a public body shall take every reasonable step to assist an applicant and
shall, subject to section eleven or twelve, respond as soon as is reasonably possible in the
circumstances, but not later than thirty days, to each request for access to a record.
(2) Where necessary, the head of a public body shall create a record for an applicant if—
(a) the record can be created from a machine readable record in the custody or under the
control of the public body using its normal computer hardware and software and
technical expertise; and
(b) creating the record will not unreasonably interfere with the operations of the public
body.
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Contents of response

(1) A response by the head of a public body to a request made in terms of section six shall
inform the applicant—
(a) whether or not he is entitled to access to the record or a part of the record; and
(b) the place where, time when and manner in which such access will be given.
(2) Where the head of a public body refuses access to a record or part of a record, he shall
inform the applicant of the reasons therefor.
(3) An applicant whose request for a record or part of a record has been refused by the head
of a public body may request the Commission to review the public body’s decision.
(4) The head of a public body may refuse a request for a record or part of a record if
granting access to such a record—
(a) will contravene this Act; or
(b) will result in the disclosure of personal information pertaining to a third party that is
protected from disclosure in terms of Part III; or
(c) is not in the public interest.
10 Access to information
(1) Where an applicant is granted access to a record or part of a record, the head of a public
body shall—

9

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