LETTER FROM THE CEO

Dear Member,

South Africa's economic pressures continue to shape the realities of everyday life, with rising costs placing increased strain on household budgets. One of the biggest contributors recently has been the steady increase in fuel prices. As fuel prices remain unpredictable, many South Africans are feeling the ripple effects across food, transport and basic living expenses.

 In this challenging environment, we remain as committed as ever to providing affordable access to justice. Over the past 12 months, we have strengthened our service to Members. We handled over 125,000 consultations with a 95% resolution rate, opened more than 70,000 new legal matters, and paid over R94.5 million in claims. While we continue to invest in our Branch network, digital engagement grew to over 195,000 interactions, including the increased use of our self-service tools. Members further benefited from support in tax matters and in the drafting and safekeeping of Wills. 

In response to the rising costs of providing legal expenses insurance cover benefits, our insurance cover benefits and premiums will increase from 1 July 2026.

A new clause has been added to Section 9 of the Membership Agreement, effective 1 July 2026. This new clause enables LegalWise to pursue more practical and efficient resolutions in appropriate cases, helping to reduce legal costs, save time and minimise stress for our Members. This process is applied at LegalWise's discretion and cannot be requested by Members.

In this edition of the WiseUp Newsletter, we focus on the right to fair labour practices. We examine constructive dismissal and the case of Maleka v Boyce N.O. and Others (2026), which provides clarity on how such matters are assessed. We explore retirement age in South Africa, noting that the Employment Equity Act prohibits unfair age discrimination, while still allowing retirement ages to be agreed between employers and employees. In addition, we examine the use of company benefits and clarify an individual's rights and responsibilities. 

We discuss how our Impact Litigation Unit is preparing submissions on the Draft South African National Artificial Intelligence Bill, with a focus on digital safety, as well as the Protected Disclosures Bill 2026, aimed at strengthening whistleblower protections. For us, public participation is not just a constitutional requirement but a powerful tool for meaningful change.

Your Membership includes valuable benefits, such as Member Self-Service and E-Lawyer, giving you easy access to legal support, available 24/7 on WhatsApp. Members can draft legally binding agreements, access legal information and receive guidance on employment matters, criminal procedures, Wills, Estates, Municipal issues and tenant‑landlord rights. All documents utilised are securely saved to your LegalWise profile. Add us as a contact on WhatsApp on 071 640 0337 and say “Hi”. E‑Lawyer puts reliable legal assistance in your hands, quick, convenient and always available.

While rising costs continue to impact all South Africans, LegalWise remains focused on delivering value to our Members. Through our comprehensive paralegal services and insurance cover benefits, we ensure that you have support when it matters most. We encourage you to take full advantage of your Membership benefits, so you can face life's legal challenges with confidence.

#BeLegalWise

Siva Gengan 

Chief Executive Officer