LETTER FROM THE CEO

Dear Member,

March marks Human Rights Month in South Africa, a time to reflect on the rights, freedoms and protections that form the foundation of our democracy. A time deeply connected to the events of 21 March 1960 in Sharpeville, when peaceful protesters lost their lives while standing against unjust laws. This moment in our history serves as a powerful reminder of the sacrifices made to secure the rights and freedoms we enjoy today.

In this edition of WiseUp, we talk about human rights issues in everyday life.  We discuss the recently passed law giving spouses the right to choose their surnames after marriage.  We touch on the right to medical treatment, especially in emergency situations. Education is a fundamental human right in South Africa, we explore how a learner's own actions, or the conduct of their parents or guardians, can sometimes disrupt access to education. We are living in an era shaped by artificial intelligence, where technology brings incredible opportunities, but also new and complex risks. One of the growing concerns is the rise of digital bullying and the misuse of deepfake images generated through artificial intelligence. Understanding these dangers is essential to protecting ourselves, our children, and our communities. 

We are incredibly proud of the heart and generosity of our Champions. Through our Give-As-You-Earn Payroll Giving Programme, our Champions actively choose to give back by contributing monthly to causes that matter to them. Their generosity, combined with the Company's Rand-for-Rand matching, has enabled us to support a wide range of organisations that uplift communities, care for the vulnerable, and restore hope where it is needed most. This initiative is a wonderful reflection of the LegalWise spirit. It reflects the compassion, values, and shared sense of responsibility of our Champions, proving that when our people get involved, even the smallest contributions can come together to create meaningful change.

We encourage you to take advantage of our new Legal Cost Estimator on our website. A simple, easy to use tool designed to help you understand what legal matters could cost. By answering just a few questions, you can gain valuable insight into potential costs so that you can take proactive steps to protect yourself and your loved ones.

Further, remember that, as a LegalWise Member, you have access to our self-service options, including our Online Contract Creator. The Creator allows you to create your own contracts or download pre-drafted contracts for your use.

We believe in creating opportunities that empower people to take control of their future. Become a LegalWise Independent Agent. This opportunity offers you the freedom to work in a way that suits you, with flexibility to choose when and how you work. It is an opportunity to build an income independently, while representing a trusted brand with a clear purpose. If you are driven, self-motivated and looking for a meaningful way to grow your income, we invite you to explore this opportunity by joining one of our upcoming LegalWise Independent Agent Webinars. WhatsApp 'Hi' to 083 557 3147 or e-mail independentagents@legalwise.co.za to register.

#BeLegalWise

Siva Gengan 

Chief Executive Officer