LETTER FROM THE CEO
Dear Member,
As we continue our mission to provide affordable access to justice, we reflect on our humble beginnings. Today, nearly four decades later, we remain determined in our commitment to serving South Africans like yourself.
Over the past year, we have facilitated over 130,000 consultations, opened over 39,000 legal files, referred 7,716 claims, and disbursed over R115 million to our network of lawyers on behalf of our Members.
Over the past few months, we have continued our refurbishments of our Branches to enhance our Member experience. Click here to read more about the refurbishment of the Durban Branch. We have also recently launched our self service BOT, which will revolutionise the way our Members engage with us. But that is not all, we made significant enhancements to our GoldPLUS and Platinum Membership options.
Further, we have made some changes to the LegalWise Membership Agreement based on feedback from our Members, Network of Lawyers, and colleagues. These adjustments encompass various benefits, limits, restrictions, and exclusions, and we've used the opportunity to clarify terms and remove any ambiguity.
To keep up with the increasing costs of providing legal expenses insurance, our insurance cover benefits and premiums will increase from 1 July 2024. For a more detailed breakdown, click here to read more.
In this edition of the WiseUp Newsletter, as we approach Youth Month, we discuss the Child Justice Act which ensures a distinct approach to child offenders, aiming for rehabilitation over punishment. Serious crimes allow arrest but emphasise diversion programs like therapy or community service. The system prioritises rehabilitation, acknowledging the potential for reintegration and a better future for young offenders. We discuss the critical unemployment crisis and Government initiatives such as the Presidential Youth Employment Intervention (PYEI) and Presidential Employment Stimulus (PES).
As part of our ongoing commitment to empower the youth and contribute to the development of our country, we have witnessed the remarkable growth of our bursary holders, who have seized every opportunity to excel in their academic and personal development journeys. Our investment in the next generation extends beyond financial assistance. It encompasses comprehensive support systems like our mentor and mentee programs which aim at nurturing and fostering leadership skills, responsibility and resilience. By equipping the youth with the tools they need to succeed, we are not just shaping individual futures but also contributing to the broader socio-economic progress of our nation.
Thank you for being a part of the LegalWise community.
#BeLegalWise
Siva Gengan
Chief Executive Officer