Freedom of Information Act, 2020 36. Procedure on appeal (1) (2) 37. Zimbabwe An appeal shall— (a) be lodged in the prescribed form and within thirty days of the date of notification of the decision appealed against; and (b) be delivered or sent to the Commission; and (c) identify the subject of the appeal and state the reasons for the appeal and may include any other relevant information known to the appellant; and (d) if, in addition to a written response, the appellant wishes to be informed of the decision on the appeal in any other manner, provide the necessary details to that effect; and (e) if applicable, be accompanied by the prescribed fee referred to in subsection (3); and (f) specify the appellant’s address and phone number. If— (a) an appeal is lodged after the expiry of the period referred to in subsection (1), the Secretary of the Commission may, on good cause shown, allow the late lodging of the appeal; or (b) the Secretary of the Commission disallows the late lodging of the appeal, the Secretary shall give notice of that decision to the appellant. (3) An appeal against the refusal of a request for access to information shall be accompanied by the prescribed fee, if any and if a fee is payable, the decision on the appeal may be deferred until such fee is paid. (4) As soon as reasonably possible, but in any event within ten working days of the date of the lodging of an appeal, an information officer shall submit to the Secretary of the Commission the application for access to information together with the officer’s reasons for refusing access. (5) The Commission shall prescribe expedited procedures for the hearing of appeals made in the circumstances referred to in section 8(10). Notice to and representations by third parties (1) If the Secretary is considering an appeal against the refusal of a request for access to information which affects any third party, the Secretary shall notify any such third party concerned of the appeal unless all necessary steps to locate the third party have been unsuccessful. (2) The Secretary shall notify a third party in terms of subsection (1)— (3) (a) as soon as reasonably possible, but in any event within ten working days of the date of the lodging of the appeal; and (b) by the fastest means reasonably possible. When notifying a third party in terms of this section, the Secretary shall— (a) state that he or she is considering an appeal against the refusal of a request for access to information which affects the third party, describe the content of the record and nature of the information and the provisions of this Act relevant to the information concerned; and (b) furnish the name of the appellant; and (c) in any case where the principal officer of an entity believes that the provisions of section 32 may apply, describe those provisions and state the reasons why he or she is of the opinion that the section may apply; and By Laws.Africa and contributors. Licensed under CC-BY. Share widely and freely. 19