Dear Member,

It has been over a year since the detection of the COVID-19 virus in South Africa and since then we have gone through a series of lockdown restrictions which have affected the country's economy, businesses and individuals alike. As we continue to adjust our processes to suit the new normal because of the COVID-19 pandemic, we remain mindful of LegalWise's promise to you, “LegalWise aims to grant South Africans equal, fair and affordable access to justice and legal assistance”.

March is Human Rights Month celebrated on 21 March to remind South Africans of all the struggles to attain the democracy of South Africa. In this edition of the newsletter, we discuss the impact that COVID-19 has had on human rights due to the restrictions deemed necessary, not only by the Government of South Africa, but throughout the world. We highlight some of the notable court cases that happened during the National State of Disaster. Read more about how the exclusion of domestic workers from the definition of “employee” amounted to an infringement of their human rights. This meant they had no access to social security, equal protection and benefit of the law. We also touch on what the law says when you are applying for credit and answer the question of discrimination and the National Credit Act.

As the lockdown continued, we viewed with alarm the parallel crisis that developed with the rise of violence against women and children. LegalWise, in partnership with TEARS Foundation continues to be involved, providing a series of empowering programs that ensure that victims are informed of how the Law is on their side. And where they can get assistance.

Remember that you can keep in touch with us either online or if it is during office hours via our  Switchboard 010 271 2255, send a message to our WhatsApp number 071 640 0337 or, if you need legal advice or assistance, you can call our 24-hour LegalLine on 086 142 7777. You can also interact with us on our website, on e-mail, Twitter and Facebook.

Download the latest version of the LegalWise App from the Apple App or Google Play stores and register to take advantage of its many benefits, like being able to make premium payments and update your beneficiary details.

Yours sincerely,

Siva Gengan                                                                         

Chief Executive Officer