PAIA Manual

Prepared in accordance with the Promotion of Access to Information Act, 2000 (PAIA) and aligned with the Protection of Personal Information Act, 2013 (POPIA).

1. Introduction

Future Synergies Group (Pty) Ltd is an SME risk intelligence and resilience infrastructure provider that develops and operates the Enterprise Maturity Indicator (EMI) diagnostic framework. The EMI framework provides structured insight into SME operational maturity, risk posture, and enterprise resilience for SMEs and institutional stakeholders.

2. Purpose of this PAIA Manual

This manual outlines how members of the public may request access to records held by Future Synergies Group in terms of PAIA, subject to the grounds for refusal and the protection of personal information as required under POPIA.

3. Company Overview

Future Synergies Group provides the following services through the Enterprise Maturity Indicator (EMI):

• SME operational maturity diagnostics
• Risk intelligence services
• Enterprise resilience assessments
• Institutional portfolio intelligence derived from EMI assessments

4. Contact Details of the Information Officer

Company Name: Future Synergies Group (Pty) Ltd
Information Officer: [Director Name]
Email: info@futuresynergies.co.za
Website: www.futuresynergies.co.za

The Information Officer is responsible for PAIA and POPIA compliance, including the facilitation of access requests and the protection and lawful processing of personal information.

5. Guide on How to Use PAIA

A guide on how to use PAIA is available from the Information Regulator (South Africa). For the latest version and contact details, please consult the Information Regulator’s website (Information Regulator of South Africa).

6. Records Available Without Request

The following records may be available without a formal PAIA request:
• Website information (general company and service information)
• Published framework information (such as high-level EMI descriptions)
• Public company information and published notices

7. Records Held by Future Synergies Group

Future Synergies Group may hold the following categories of records (as applicable):
• Corporate records (company registration, governance documents)
• Financial records (invoices, payments, statutory filings)
• Operational records (policies, procedures, frameworks)
• Client engagement records (communications, proposals, contracts)
• SME diagnostic assessment records (EMI assessment submissions and outputs)
• EMI framework documentation (methodology, classifications, indicators)
• Website and digital platform records (system logs, access records, content)
• Human resources records (if applicable)

8. Request Procedure

Requests must be submitted in writing to the Information Officer and should include:
• A clear description of the record requested and the relevant time period (if applicable)
• The requester’s full name, identity or registration number, and contact details (email and telephone)
• The preferred form of access (inspection, electronic copy, or physical copy where feasible)
• Proof of authority if the request is made on behalf of another person or entity

Upon receipt, the request will be processed in accordance with PAIA. Access may be refused on lawful grounds (for example, to protect third‑party confidential information, personal information, or privileged records). Where a request is granted, access will be provided in the form reasonably required and subject to prescribed fees.

9. Fees

Fees may apply as prescribed under PAIA regulations. Where applicable, requesters will be notified of the fee payable before the request is processed. Requests may be paused pending payment of the prescribed fee.

10. Processing of Personal Information (POPIA)

Future Synergies Group processes personal and business information in accordance with POPIA for the purpose of delivering EMI diagnostic services, risk intelligence, and portfolio insight. Personal information processed may include:
• SME business information and identifiers
• Contact details of enterprise representatives and institutional stakeholders
• Operational assessment information submitted through EMI assessments
• Diagnostic data used for EMI analysis and reporting

Information is processed lawfully and reasonably, for specified purposes, with appropriate security safeguards and retention aligned to operational, legal, and regulatory requirements. Data subjects may exercise applicable rights of access, correction, or deletion subject to legal limitations.

11. Availability of this Manual

This PAIA Manual is available on the Future Synergies Group website and may also be requested by email at info@futuresynergies.co.za. Future Synergies Group may update or amend this manual from time to time. The most recent version will be published on the website.