Dear Member,

As we look forward to the Human Rights Day celebrations we are reminded of the tragedy of the Sharpville massacre in 1960. This day serves as a reminder of the struggle for human rights and freedom in South Africa and it is a time to reflect on the progress made and the resilience of the human spirit. The events of this day became part of the South Africans' foundation for the right to vote, freedom of speech and equal treatment for all its citizens.  It is a reminder that justice and equality are a continuous struggle.

We are thrilled to share the news that LegalWise has been recognised as a Top Employer for 2023 by the Top Employer Institute. This accolade places LegalWise among the best employers in 121 countries across five continents. We are proud of our team for their hard work in achieving this award.

We are also proud to introduce our new and continuing Bursary holders. Our commitment to providing educational opportunities through our Member Bursary Program remains steadfast. Read more about the goals and aspirations of our Bursary holders.

In this edition of the newsletter, we cover important topics some of which are covered in the Bill of Rights.  The Bill of Rights affirms the democratic values of human dignity and equality. We discuss what it takes to be a citizen and what that means for you. We address a pressing issue relating to blocked ID documents, the reasons why it happens, and the help available from the Department of Home Affairs. We also delve into the topic of freedom of expression as a constitutional right, explore what doxing is, the POPI Act of 2013 and its role in uncovering hate speech and identifying the publisher. Read more.

We discuss the legal recognition of Muslim marriages following a decision by the Constitutional Court that addresses human rights violations with respect to religion, custom, and belief. Read more about the Court's decision.

In our frequently asked questions section, we answer whether load shedding infringes on any human rights.

Remember, our Self-Service Contract Creator is available for use on our website (www.legalwise.co.za) and it can create, amongst other contracts a Domestic Worker Agreement. It is free and it is for you, make use of it!

Be on the lookout for our new TV commercial on SABC, ETV and DSTV.  Read more about the concept and the ideas behind the advertisement. Click here to view the commercial.

#BeLegalWiseYours sincerely,

Siva Gengan                                                                        

Chief Executive Officer