Volume 3, Number 1


 

The right to information and public participation in debt management in Southern Africa
Matanga, D.

It is possible to examine whether a correlation exists between the status of the right to access to information on one hand, and degree of inclusivity in public debt management on the other hand in Southern Africa.

The terms right to information, and access to information have been used interchangeably together with the term freedom of information as well. The right to information has been taken to mean the right to seek access and receive information held by public bodies or private bodies that perform a public function or utilise public funds.

More needs to be done in the region to ensure the relevant constitutional arrangements are in- cluded where they don’t exist and that good quality access to information legislation is passed, or strengthened. Governments in the region must also sign and ratify instruments which support the right to access to information if they have not.

This article explores possible approaches to the right to information and public participation in debt management in Southern Africa.

Keywords: Public Participation; Public Debt; Debt Management; Citizen’s Rights; Right to Information; Freedom of Information