Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What is the Promotion of Access to Information Act (PAIA)?

PAIA is the Promotion of Access to Information Act 2 of 2000 (“PAIA”). Access to information is a human right that is protected by Section 32 of the Constitution of South Africa. PAIA protects and upholds the rights of people to access information.

What is the Protection of Personal Information Act (POPIA)?

POPIA is the Protection of Personal Information Act 4 of 2013. The University processes personal information lawfully and in a reasonable manner that does not infringe on the right to privacy or any other right of a person.

What is a PAIA request?

This is a request for access to information of a public body. In this case, the information requested is data housed by the University of Johannesburg.

What is a PAIA Internal Appeal?

An internal appeal is a process for challenging a decision made in terms of a PAIA request to a public body (UJ), which must be completed before a challenge can be made to the Regulator or a court having jurisdiction. A PAIA request needs to be submitted prior to an internal appeal being submitted.

What is a POPI update request?

This request pertains to the update of biographical information about an individual by the same individual. (E.g. change of a maiden surname to a married surname, change of contact details, etc.)

What is a POPI enquiry?

This pertains to a request for information that is in the possession of the University of Johannesburg from an individual about himself/herself.

How do I submit a request using the online platform?

Click on the relevant form and complete all the required information. See the Step-by-Step guide available on the left-hand banner for the process to be followed when submitting a request.

Who is the Information Officer of the University of Johannesburg?

The Vice-Chancellor and Principal is the Information Officer for the University of Johannesburg.

Who are the Deputy Information Officers?

1. The Registrar
2. The Deputy Vice-Chancellor: Academic
3. The Deputy Vice-Chancellor: Research and Innovation
4. The Chief Financial Officer
5. The Chief Operating Officer
6. The UJ General Counsel
7. The Senior Executive Director

How long does it take to process a PAIA request?

The university has 30 days to respond to PAIA requests. However, in instances where a request requires a level of consultation with additional stakeholders, the university may request an extension of a further 30 days to respond to the request.

How do I submit an Internal PAIA Appeal?

You are required to complete Form 4 (Internal Appeal Form which can be found here) which must be addressed/submitted to the Information Officer. Should an internal appeal process be followed, it must be lodged within 60 days after the outcome is provided. Please note that the university has 30 days to respond to an internal appeal.

How do I make the university aware of a breach of my personal information?

Should you feel that your personal information has been violated, you may inform us by emailing popi@uj.ac.za. Please include the following details in your email:

• Name of the Faculty/Division/Department where the breach occurred relating to your personal information
• In what manner was your personal information violated
• State how you became aware of the breach
• Provide evidence related to the breach

Are there fees payable when submitting a PAIA request?

The submission of PAIA requests on the platform is free of charge. Fees may be payable to cover the cost of providing access to records in terms of a request. Refer to Section 15 of the PAIA Guide and Form 3 (Outcome of Request and Fees Payable) which can be found here for detailed information.

• A requester or third party may only submit a complaint to the Regulator after that requester or third party has exhausted the internal appeal procedure against a decision of the Information Officer.
• A complaint to the Regulator by a requester or third party must be lodged within 180 days of receipt of the decision from the body.
• A complaint to the Regulator must be made in writing, and a complaint form must be completed, either manually or online. Form 5 must be used to submit complaints (the form can be accessed here).
• Should you feel that your personal information has been violated, you may use this email address to lodge a complaint: POPIAComplaints@inforegulator.org.za.
• Should your PAIA request be denied or there is no response from a public or private body for access to records, you may use this email address to lodge a complaint: PAIAComplaints@inforegulator.org.za.

For more information related to lodging a complaint, please click on the following URL: Complaints Process.

Please note the information listed below is not regarded as a PAIA/POPIA request. Use the contact details listed below to obtain information from the relevant Division.

1. Requesting a Transcript Supplement or an Academic Transcript/Record – Email the Qualification Verification Unit at transcripts@uj.ac.za
2. For queries pertaining to UJ certificates - Email the Certification Office on certificates@uj.ac.za
3. All application-related enquiries – Email mylife@uj.ac.za
4. For queries related to UJ login credentials (e.g. pin, password etc.) - Contact the UJ Call Center on 011 559 4555 or email mylife@uj.ac.za
5. All registration-related enquiries – Email registration@uj.ac.za
6. All graduation-related enquiries – Email graduation@uj.ac.za
7. All finance-related queries (fees, bursaries, NSFAS, refunds) - Click on the following link: Student Finance Contact Details

For any further information, please visit the UJ website on www.uj.ac.za