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PAIA Manual

PAIA Manual for Loan Buddy Financial Services (Pty) Ltd

Prepared in accordance with Section 51 of the Promotion of Access to Information Act, No. 2 of 2000 (PAIA)

  1. Contact Details

Entity Name: Loan Buddy Financial Services (Pty) Ltd
Registration Number: 2013/201432/07
NCRCP Number: NCRCP6726
Physical Address: 87A St John St, Oudtshoorn, 6625
Telephone Number: 044 279 1151
Email Address: support@loanbuddy.co.za

  1. Information Officer

Information Officer: IZAK VAN DER MERWE
Email: support@loanbuddy.co.za
Telephone: 0442791151
Deputy Information Officer (if applicable): –

  1. Introduction

Loan Buddy Financial Services (Pty) Ltd is a registered credit provider offering financial services. This manual is compiled in accordance with the provisions of PAIA and provides a reference guide on how to request information held by Loan Buddy in terms of PAIA and the Protection of Personal Information Act (POPIA).

  1. The Promotion of Access to Information Act (PAIA)

PAIA grants individuals the right to access information held by public and private bodies to foster a culture of transparency and accountability. This manual serves to assist individuals in requesting access to information in terms of PAIA.

  1. Records Held by Loan Buddy

Loan Buddy holds the following categories of records in the ordinary course of business:

  • Company Records:
    • Registration documents
    • Shareholder agreements
    • Financial statements
  • Operational Records:
    • Loan agreements
    • Credit applications
    • Payment records
    • Customer profiles
    • Loan performance reports
  • Employee Records:
    • Employment contracts
    • Payroll records
    • Leave records
    • Disciplinary records
  • Customer Information:
    • Personal identification information
    • Credit reports
    • Loan application details
    • Communication records
  • Third-Party Contracts:
    • Service provider agreements
    • Supplier contracts
  1. Access to Records

Requests for access to records must be made in accordance with the procedure outlined in PAIA. The requester must complete Form C, which is available from the South African Human Rights Commission (SAHRC) or the Department of Justice’s websites and submit it to Loan Buddy’s Information Officer.

  1. Request Procedure
  • Requests for access to information must be submitted in writing using Form C.
  • The completed form must be sent to the Information Officer at the contact details provided above.
  • The requester must specify the information required and provide sufficient detail to enable Loan Buddy to identify the requested record.
  • Proof of identity is required when submitting the request.
  1. Fees Payable

In terms of PAIA, a fee may be charged for the request. The fees are prescribed by the Act and cover the cost of searching, preparing, and reproducing the records requested. Loan Buddy will provide a fee estimate to the requester before proceeding with the request.

  1. Grounds for Refusal of Access

Access to records may be refused on the following grounds:

  • Confidential information of third parties (unless the third party consents to the disclosure).
  • Information protected by legal privilege.
  • Records that would breach the privacy of a third party.
  • Information that is commercial or proprietary in nature and could harm the company or third-party interests.
  • Records containing trade secrets.
  1. Remedies Available

If a request for access to records is refused, the requester may:

  • Lodge an internal appeal with Loan Buddy.
  • Submit a complaint to the Information Regulator.
  • Approach a court of law for relief.
  1. Protection of Personal Information Act (POPIA)

Loan Buddy is committed to protecting personal information in line with the requirements of POPIA. Personal information collected by Loan Buddy is handled with confidentiality and is only shared with authorized third parties under strict conditions.

For more information on how personal information is handled, please refer to Loan Buddy’s Privacy Policy.

  1. South African Human Rights Commission (SAHRC) Guide

The SAHRC provides a guide on how to exercise your rights under PAIA. This guide is available for inspection at the SAHRC offices and their website:

South African Human Rights Commission
Website: www.sahrc.org.za

  1. Updates to This Manual

This manual will be updated as required in accordance with any legislative changes and operational needs.