What we do

ODAC’s mission is to promote open and transparent democracy; foster a culture of corporate and government accountability; and assist people in South Africa to be able to realise their human rights. Fundamentally, ODAC believes that realising the right to know will make a material and tangible social change, while forwarding social and economic justice. By promoting transparency, enhancing access to information, supporting whistleblowers and liberating data, we are forwarding a culture of accountability and openness to meet the needs of citizens.

ODAC are leading experts in relation to access to information and freedom of expression in South Africa, and on the continent. We have driven strategic litigation on the Promotion of Access to Information Act and Protected Disclosures Act, and remain at the forefront at parliamentary advocacy on laws relating to transparency and good governance. We extend our scope to providing support to ensure the effective implementation of key legislation, by assisting public and private institutions to develop policies, procedures and systems. We provide public information and training on using the legislation through public awareness campaigns, and workshops. We also performs various forms of monitoring and research through applied and comparative research, which forms the evidence-base for our other activities.

In terms of activities, our work can be envisioned as falling into four broad categories and themes (although there are clearly overlaps between all groupings):

• Access to information project activities
• Whistleblowing project activities
• Regional project activities
• Legal activities (including our contracted service provision)