Glossary

The right to freedom of information (RTI or right to information) refers primarily to information held by the State (although in South Africa it has been interpreted very widely to include most information held by private companies). The main aim is to give individuals access to information held by the government, with a few narrowly defined exceptions, such as health or public safety. Freedom of information tends to disproportionately benefit women, as they are less likely to have the contacts or resources necessary to access information in a secretive regime. According to NGO Article 19, a freedom of information law should include an independent ombudsmen, a principle of open government and access to government meetings and documents, broadly defined.

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