LETTER FROM THE CEO

Dear Member,

As we celebrate the bravery and sacrifice of the Youth of 1976, it is crucial to reflect on the progress our country has made, while also acknowledging the challenges that persist. We recognise the importance of empowering and uplifting the youth of today, and offer various initiatives to provide them with opportunities to gain practical experience, develop critical skills, and further their education. Our Internship Programme offers employment opportunities and necessary experiences in various fields available within the organisation. In addition, our LegalWise Member Bursaries provide financial assistance for further education, while our #BeyondMentorship Programme equips young men and women with the skills required to navigate various working environments. By investing in the youth, we can build a brighter and more prosperous South Africa for generations to come.

In this edition of the newsletter, we highlight the issue of child neglect in South Africa and what you can do if you suspect that a child is being neglected. Read more about what the Constitution says about the rights of children. Additionally, we discuss the issue of pregnant girls at schools and their rights. With the ongoing economic pressures, paying bills can be a struggle at the best of times, especially when it comes to your utility bills. We provide some guidance on what to do when you suspect that your electricity or water bill has been inflated.

We remind you that as a main Member you can make use of our tax advice and assistance for personal income tax matters.

From 1 July 2023, we will be launching a new Municipal Service – a new benefit for all LegalWise Members offering assistance in dealing with your Municipality.

To keep up with the increasing costs of providing legal expenses insurance, our insurance cover benefits and premiums will increase from 1 July 2023. We have been mindful of the state of the South African economy and as such we've kept the increases to a minimum.

Remember, our Online Contract Creator is available for use on our website (www.legalwise.co.za). It is free, make use of it! Getting the Ts and Cs down on paper can save a lot of problems down the line.

We also encourage you to download and register on our App from the Apple App or Google Play stores - it's a very simple registration process. You can then access your Membership card, Schedule of Insurance and Membership Agreement, pay your premiums, switch Membership options, update your personal details and add, delete or change your Beneficiary's or Insured person's details. You can search for your nearest LegalWise Branch, find a lawyer, view SMSs and e-mails we've sent you, as well as give us a compliment or submit a complaint. The LegalWise App puts legal power at your fingertips.

#BeLegalWise

Yours sincerely,

Siva Gengan                                                                        

Chief Executive Officer