PAIA terms to note... For mandatory refusals, PAIA uses the word "must". For discretionary refusals, PAIA uses the word "may". Remember as an Information Officer you must remain objective when applying a ground for refusal of access to information. Do not take sides, and be impartial at all times! 4.3. Grounds for refusal of access to information As stated above there are various grounds under which an access to information request may or must be refused by an Information Officer of a public or private body. These grounds are listed in Chapter 4 of Part 2 for a Public Body, and Chapter 4 of Part 3 for a Private Body in PAIA. 4.3.1. Protection of the privacy of a third party An Information Officer of a public or private body must not allow access to personal information of a natural person, including a deceased individual (for a definition of “natural South African Human Rights Commission 48