Can a parent demand information pertaining to his/her child that the school has on file?

Yes, the Promotion of Access to Information Act of 2000 (PAIA) Sections 63(2), 64(2) and 70, give the grounds on which the head of a private body may not refuse access to information or records. Schools are obliged to furnish information to parents if that information pertains to their children.

Can a Provincial Education Department (PED) demand information from an independent school?

Yes, a PED may request information from an independent school in accordance with the provisions of the Promotion of Access to Information Act of 2000 (PAIA) Sections 63(2), 64(2) and 70, which gives the grounds on which the head of a private body may not refuse access to information or records.