SUBMISSIONS TO THE DEPARTMENT OF JUSTICE AND CONSTITUTIONAL DEVELOPMENT
SUBMISSIONS TO THE DEPARTMENT OF JUSTICE AND CONSTITUTIONAL DEVELOPMENT
RE: COMMENTS ON THE LEGAL PRACTICE AMENDMENT BILL, 2026
Submitted by:
LEGALWISE SOUTH AFRICA (RF) (PTY) LTD
SCORPION LEGAL PROTECTION (RF) (PTY) LTD
Compiled By:
Mr. George Pelser (Head of Legal Research - LegalWise)
Ms. Lithalethemba Stwayi (Impact Litigation Manager – LegalWise)
Ms. Naomi Mulaudzi (Legal Researcher - LegalWise)
Mr. Mohamed Degam (Executive Officer – Scorpion Legal Protection)
Mr. Welile Nodada (Regional Manager – Scorpion Legal Protection)
Mrs. Hendrietta Nkele Ledwaba (Branch Manager – Scorpion Legal Protection)
Per e-mail: FBhayat@justice.gov.za
Contents
1. Introduction.........................................................................................................3
2. Original intention of the legislature...................................................................3
2.1. Previous legislation.........................................................................................4
2.2. Changes in society and consumers’ behaviour...........................................4
2.3. Missing provisions for more than a decade.................................................5
3. Purpose of the proposed amendments...........................................................5
3.1. Legal services and validity of documents.....................................................5
3.2. Self-help by the consumer............................................................................6
3.3. Complex legal services..................................................................................7
4. Skill and qualification........................................................................................7
4.1. Non-Practising Legal Practitioners................................................................7
4.2. Fiduciary Practitioners..................................................................................8
4.3. Paralegal Professionals.................................................................................8
5. Consequences of amendments.......................................................................8
5.1. Freedom to choose.........................................................................................9
5.2. Practical considerations................................................................................9
5.3. Socio-economic impact...............................................................................10
5.4. Enforcement..................................................................................................10
5.5. Constitutional infringement and alternative remedies...............................10
6. Conclusion.......................................................................................................11