On 9 November 2024, we celebrated 40 years of LegalWise championing justice alongside South Africans—a milestone truly worthy of celebration. By our 40th year, LegalWise has grown to include over 400 employees and a network of more than 220 legal firms to protect and defend the rights of our Members. We have expanded our Branches across all 9 provinces and improved our benefits offerings to better meet the needs of our Members. Over these 40 years, we partnered with many dedicated attorneys who stood with us in enforcing and defending our Members' rights. We celebrate this momentous occasion alongside our Members, Staff, Shareholders, and Stakeholders, as we commit to another 40 years of providing South Africans with affordable and timeous access to justice.

 

Let us reflect on our journey:

 

40 Year Timeline

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1983

The seed was planted, through a simple gesture of a humble man who offered to pay the founder ten rand every month, if he agreed to provide him with legal assistance.

1984

The seed germinates and LegalWise is formed by Zak Crafford and co-founder Eric Annegarn.

1986

LegalWise grew from operating from a garage with just two employees to later establish the Johannesburg Branch.

1988

LegalWise launches an advertising campaign through print, radio and television.

1989

Mr Willie Khoza becomes a LegalWise Member by submitting a handwritten application form.

1993

The WiseUp Member newsletter, offering legal information and interesting news, is launched.

1999

LegalWise introduces Field Marketing to spread the word.

2000

LegalWise embarks on a ‘Big Brother’ campaign, championing the rights of consumers using its slogan ‘Don’t talk to me, talk to my lawyer.’

2002

LegalWise became the first and only South African member of RIAD, the International Association of Legal Expenses Insurance.

2003

The GoldPLUS Membership is launched giving our Members more power.

2004

The Extended Family Protection benefit is launched, an option that allows Members to add up to five extended family members to their Membership.

2005

Legal Expenses Insurance Southern Africa Limited obtains its short-term insurance licence.

2006

LegalWise introduces its Member Bursary Programme offering financial assistance to students studying for Paralegal Diplomas and LLB Degrees.

2009

A Debt Counselling service was launched allowing Members to enjoy services such as Settlement Negotiations. Other new services included child maintenance and the drafting of basic Wills.

2010

LegalWise launches the Platinum Membership option.

2011

LegalWise adds the Legal Expenses Accidental Death benefit to their Membership options.

2012

LegalWise introduces the Teacher Legal Plan to protect, guide and support teachers in their profession.

2012

LegalWise Botswana opens its doors.

2013

LegalWise invests in their distribution footprint by launching a prototype “Branch of the Future.”

2013

LegalWise Namibia opens its doors.

2014

Healthcare Professional and Enforcement Officer benefits are launched.

2015

LegalWise launches its App giving its Members more legal power at their fingertips.

2016

LegalWise upgrades 20 of its Branches.

2017

LegalWise goes paperless by introducing a new Member and Claims Administration System.

2019

LegalWise appoints its first female CEO and obtains its own Financial Services Provider licence.

2020

LegalWise launches WhatsApp, allowing its Members to chat via this popular messaging App.

2021

LegalWise introduces a video consultation service via Zoom.

2022

A Self-Service Bot was launched allowing Members to create their own contracts.

2023

LegalWise launches the Municipal Services benefit for all its Members.

2023

Sithega acquires a controlling equity stake in the LEZA Group.

2024

LegalWise and Lawyers for Human Rights files a case against Home Affairs on illegally blocked Identity documents.

2024

LegalWise introduces a Sales App for its Field Marketers.

2024

LegalWise introduces the LegalWise Legacy Accumulator, a new lump sum cash loyalty benefit for GoldPLUS and Platinum Members.

2024

LegalWise recently launched a new self- service option to help Members navigate employment related queries and grievances, providing them with guidance and support throughout the process against their employer.

2024

LegalWise celebrates 40 years of enforcing and defending the rights of its Members.

The 40th Anniversary Television Advertisement

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Community Rewards Programme:  Honouring 40 Years of Service to our Communities

For the past 40 years, LegalWise has served our communities through the provision of access to justice for all.  Since its inception, the Company has shown commitment to the communities in which we operate by investing in sustainable development activities. We aim to further support positive transformation within the communities in which we operate through responsible Corporate Social Investment (CSI). 

As part of our 40-year celebrations, we will invite our Members to participate in our Community Rewards Programme, offering R40 000 each to five Community Based Organisations which our Members believe are contributing to building stronger communities through making use of their own assets and resources. Members may nominate organisations in their community who have taken responsibility of initiating community building activities designed to improve the lives of those around them. You may nominate an organisation in your community by clicking 'DOWNLOAD' below to download a nomination form; or clicking here to submit an online nomination. All nominations must be submitted by 27 February 2025 and five Community Rewards Programme beneficiaries will be selected.
 

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