ODAC has taken the initiative to write an Open Democracy Charter which is aimed at generating a declaration of open governance principles for South Africa. Key stakeholders of government, private sector, academia and civil society were consulted in the drafting process of the Charter, to ensure that the most pertinent issues were highlighted for inclusion. After reflection on those consultations, the following core principles have been developed as enshrining the key components of open governance for any entity:

1. Right of access
2. Equal access
3. Presumption of openness
4. Proactive disclosure
5. Quality of information
6. Active promotion
7. Quality of service
8. Access to decision-making
9. Whistle-blowing
10. Redress
11. Investment
12. Private sector

Here is the full Draft Open Democracy Charter. In preparation for the launch of this Charter, ODAC would like feedback on this principles to ensure the a full consultation process has been facilitated. If you have any feedback on these principles, you can send that feedback to This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. .

Full details of the launch event will soon follow.

Open Democracy Charter Papers

ODAC has taken the initiative to write an Open Democracy Charter . In the early stages of its initiation, ODACidentified key areas which would stimulate the discussion on best practices and the way forward in forging a truly open and transparent democratic South Africa. As a result of this, ODAC called for papers from stakeholders on the following.

• The Usage of the Promotion of Access to Information Act Experiences Achievements and challenges by Alison Tilley (PDF 278Kb)
• Compliance with PAIA by the Private Sector in South Africa by Abongile Sipondo (PDF 231Kb)
• Ten Years of Access to Information in South Africa Some challenges to the effective implementation of PAIA by Chantal Kisoon (PDF 244Kb)
• The Protection of Personal Information Act and its Impact on Freedom of Information by Iain Currie (PDF 413Kb)
• Access to Information as a tool in combating corruption in South Africa’s public sector by Jay Kruuse (PDF 363Kb)
• Corruption and Transparencyby Judge Dennis Davis (PDF 156Kb)
• PAIA Through the Courts Case Law and Important Developments in PAIA Litigation by Jonathan Klaaren (PDF 382Kb)
• Ten years of Whistle blowing Protection in South Africa A review of the past and lessons for the future by Lorraine Martin (PDF 291Kb)