PAIA Manual

Manual prepared in terms of Section 51 of the Promotion of Access to Information Act, 2 of 2000 ("PAIA"), as amended.

1. Introduction

This Manual is published in compliance with Section 51 of PAIA. PAIA gives effect to the constitutional right of access to any information held by another person that is required for the exercise or protection of any right. This right is subject to certain limitations aimed at the reasonable protection of privacy, commercial confidentiality, and effective governance.

2. Details of the Private Body

Name: Stonebridge Properties & Developments (Pty) Ltd, trading as Stonebridge Finance
Physical Address: George, Western Cape, South Africa
Postal Address: George, Western Cape, South Africa
Email: info@stonebridgefinance.co.za

3. Information Officer

Designated Information Officer: The Managing Director
Email: info@stonebridgefinance.co.za

4. Guide on How to Use PAIA

The South African Human Rights Commission ("SAHRC") has compiled a Guide in terms of Section 10 of PAIA, which contains information to assist a person wishing to exercise a right of access to information held by a public or private body. This Guide is available from the SAHRC:

South African Human Rights Commission
Website: www.sahrc.org.za
Tel: 011 877 3600

5. Categories of Records Available Without a Request

The following records are publicly available on our website or upon reasonable request, without the need for a formal PAIA application:

• POPIA Privacy Policy
• General information about our products and services
• This PAIA Manual
• Terms and Conditions
• Website Disclaimer

6. Records Held by Stonebridge

Stonebridge holds records in the following categories. Note that the inclusion of a category does not mean that access to a specific record will necessarily be granted:

6.1 Company & Governance Records

• Memorandum of Incorporation and company registration documents
• Minutes of directors' and shareholders' meetings
• Shareholder agreements

6.2 Financial Records

• Annual financial statements
• Tax records and returns
• Banking records
• Asset registers

6.3 Client Records

• Funding applications and supporting documentation
• Loan agreements and security documentation
• FICA verification records
• Correspondence with clients
• Valuation reports

6.4 Human Resources Records

• Employment contracts and personnel files
• Payroll records
• Disciplinary records

6.5 Operational Records

• Insurance policies
• Contracts with service providers
• IT and information security records

7. How to Request Access to Records

A requester must complete the prescribed form (Form C, as set out in Annexure B of the Regulations to PAIA) and submit it to the Information Officer at the address or email provided above.

The request must specify:

• The records requested;
• The form of access required (e.g., inspection, copy, electronic copy);
• The right the requester is seeking to exercise or protect, and an explanation of why the record is necessary;
• The requester's contact details.

A prescribed request fee and, where applicable, an access fee, may be payable before the request is processed.

8. Grounds for Refusal of Access

Stonebridge may refuse access to records on the grounds set out in PAIA, including (but not limited to):

• Protection of the privacy of a third party who is a natural person (Section 63);
• Protection of commercial information of a third party (Section 64);
• Protection of confidential information of a third party (Section 65);
• Protection of safety of individuals and property (Section 66);
• Privileged records (Section 67);
• Protection of commercial information of the private body (Section 68);
• Protection of research information (Section 69).

9. Availability of the Manual

This Manual is available:

• On our website at stonebridgefinance.co.za/paia
• At our registered office for inspection during business hours
• From the SAHRC upon request

10. Updates

This Manual will be updated from time to time as required by law or operational changes. The latest version will always be available on our website.