PAIA Manual

Prepared in terms of section 51 of the Promotion of Access to Information Act, 2 of 2000 ("PAIA").

Effective date: 20 July 2026

1. About MetrosPress

MetrosPress is a South African newsroom and press-release distribution platform. This manual describes the records we hold and how any person may request access to them under PAIA.

2. Information Officer

• Name: MetrosPress Information Officer
• Email: press@app.metrospress.co.za
• Postal address: Available on request.

3. Guide by the Information Regulator

The Information Regulator has published a guide, in terms of section 10 of PAIA, on how to use the Act. It is available in all official languages from the Information Regulator at inforegulator.org.za.

4. Records held

• Statutory records: company registration, tax and labour records.
• Financial records: invoices, receipts, bank statements and audited financials.
• Operational records: user accounts, submitted press releases, client profiles, editorial correspondence.
• Contractual records: agreements with clients, advertisers and service providers.
• IT & security records: access logs, backup logs and incident reports.

5. Records automatically available

Published press releases, industry pages, bios and influencer profiles are freely accessible on the website without a PAIA request.

6. How to request access

1. Complete the prescribed PAIA request form (Form 02) available from the Information Regulator.
2. Submit the form to the Information Officer using the contact details above.
3. Pay the applicable request fee once the request is accepted. Access fees may apply for reproduction, search and preparation.
4. We will respond within 30 days of receipt, in line with section 25 of PAIA. This period may be extended by a further 30 days in the circumstances contemplated in section 26.

7. Grounds for refusal

A request may be refused on any of the grounds set out in Chapter 4 of Part 3 of PAIA, including protection of third-party personal information, commercial information, confidential information supplied in confidence, and the safety of individuals or property.

8. Remedies

An unsuccessful requester may lodge a complaint with the Information Regulator or apply to a competent court for appropriate relief.

9. Processing of personal information

MetrosPress processes personal information in line with the Protection of Personal Information Act, 2013. See our Privacy Policy for details.

10. Updates

This manual is reviewed at least annually and updated when material changes occur.