PAIA Manual

1. Introduction

This manual is prepared in accordance with the Promotion of Access to Information Act, 2000 ("PAIA") and serves as a guide outlining the information and records available from this online recruitment platform.

The purpose of PAIA is to promote transparency, accountability, and access to information held by public and private bodies where such access is required for the exercise or protection of rights.

This manual also recognises the requirements of the Protection of Personal Information Act ("POPIA") relating to the lawful processing and protection of personal information.

2. About the Platform

The platform operates as an online recruitment and employment advertising service primarily focused on Information Technology (IT), Telecommunications, Digital, and related professional sectors.

Services may include online job advertisements, employer branding, recruitment advertising, candidate application facilitation, recruitment communication support, telephonic support services, and related operational services.

3. Contact Information

Requests for access to information, PAIA enquiries, or related communication may be directed through the official communication channels provided on the website.

Operational support hours are Monday to Friday, 07:00 to 17:00 South African Standard Time (SAST).

The platform is closed on weekends and South African public holidays.

4. Information Officer

The platform may designate an Information Officer or authorised representative responsible for PAIA-related administration, POPIA compliance communication, information requests, and lawful information management practices.

Information Officer details may be provided upon legitimate request where applicable.

5. Purpose of this Manual

This manual aims to describe the categories of records held by the platform, explain how information requests may be submitted, outline request procedures, and support lawful access to information where applicable.

This manual does not automatically grant access to records.

Access requests remain subject to applicable legislation, verification procedures, confidentiality obligations, privacy protections, and operational or legal limitations.

6. Categories of Records Held

The platform may maintain operational records including operational policies, website information, service procedures, communication records, and administrative documentation.

Recruitment and advertising records may include job advertisements, employer profile information, recruitment package information, recruitment communication records, and candidate application-related records.

Financial and business records may include invoices, quotations, payment confirmations, vendor documentation, banking verification information, and related financial records.

Legal and compliance records may include Terms & Conditions, Terms of Use, Privacy Statements, POPIA documentation, PAIA documentation, compliance records, and related operational policies.

Technical and security records may include website usage information, IP-related information, system logs, security monitoring records, and operational maintenance information.

Where applicable, human resource and internal records may include internal operational records, support communication records, training information, and administrative records.

7. Processing of Personal Information

The platform may process personal information for purposes including recruitment services, communication, employer verification, operational administration, fraud prevention, customer support, quality assurance, and lawful business operations.

Personal information is processed in accordance with POPIA, applicable South African legislation, and the platform's Privacy Statement.

Reasonable safeguards are implemented to help protect personal information.

7A. Qualification Vetting & Verification

The platform may facilitate the vetting and verification of candidate certifications and qualifications. Such verification is conducted only for shortlisted candidates and strictly with their explicit consent.

Verification is performed by validating credentials directly with recognized certification bodies and training institutions. Employers acknowledge that verified credentials are based on information provided by external certification authorities, and the platform facilitates this process without assuming liability for the accuracy of third-party records.

In compliance with the Protection of Personal Information Act (POPIA) and guidance from the Information Regulator, all personal data collected for verification purposes will be securely deleted once the verification process is complete and results have been communicated. This ensures that candidate information is not retained beyond its lawful purpose, safeguarding privacy and reinforcing responsible data management practices.

8. Telephonic Communication & Video Interview Services

Where applicable, the platform may facilitate telephonic communication, support communication, call recording, communication monitoring, and video interview-related services.

Communication interactions may be processed for purposes including quality assurance, verification, fraud prevention, dispute resolution, operational administration, training, security, and service improvement.

9. Request Procedure

Requests for access to information should clearly identify the requested records, provide sufficient detail to locate the information, include contact information, and indicate the rights requiring protection or exercise where applicable.

The platform may request proof of identity, supporting documentation, or additional clarification before processing requests.

Requests may remain subject to applicable legal requirements, confidentiality obligations, operational limitations, and privacy protections.

10. Grounds for Refusal of Access

Access to records may be refused where permitted under applicable legislation including circumstances involving protection of personal information, confidentiality obligations, commercially sensitive information, legal privilege, security considerations, operational risks, or unlawful disclosure.

Requests that are vague, abusive, unlawful, excessive, or inconsistent with applicable legislation may also be refused.

11. Fees & Administrative Charges

Where permitted under applicable legislation, administrative fees or reasonable reproduction costs may apply to information requests.

Applicable fees, where relevant, may include copying fees, administrative processing fees, search and preparation costs, and lawful reproduction charges.

12. Availability of this Manual

This PAIA Manual may be published on the website, made electronically available, or provided upon lawful request where applicable.

The platform reserves the right to amend or update this manual periodically.

13. Limitation of Liability

While reasonable efforts are made to maintain accurate operational and compliance information, the platform does not guarantee uninterrupted access, absolute completeness of records, or uninterrupted system availability.

The platform shall not be liable for indirect losses, technical interruptions, communication failures, or damages arising from information requests or platform use.

14. Amendments

This PAIA Manual may be amended, updated, or revised periodically to reflect legal developments, operational changes, service improvements, or compliance requirements.

Updated versions become effective upon publication.

15. Governing Law

This PAIA Manual shall be governed by and interpreted in accordance with the laws of the Republic of South Africa.

Any disputes relating to this manual or related information requests shall fall under the jurisdiction of the appropriate South African courts.