Letter from the CEO

Dear Member,

It is with great pride that we reflect on the incredible achievements and contributions of women to the economic evolution of our nation. We are committed to championing gender equality, with an impressive 72% of our workforce being female. We recognise that there is still a lot of work ahead to ensure further women's empowerment. This month, we celebrate the incredible contributions of our women who lead with vision, drive innovation, empower through education, and champion justice.

In this edition of the WiseUp Newsletter, we delve into the pivotal role of the Commission for Gender Equality in ensuring justice and equity for all. We explore its mandate, functions, and the impact it has on promoting gender equality in South Africa. Additionally, we highlight a landmark case on sexual consent, discussing legal precedents and the implications thereof. We also cover Black Economic Empowerment (BEE), examining its significance in fostering economic inclusion and addressing historical injustices. Insights are presented into various funding opportunities available for women, empowering them to achieve their professional and personal goals. 

We tackle one of the most frequently asked questions by our Members, what are my “Chances of Success” when seeking legal assistance, what it is, how it is determined and what you can do if you are not satisfied with a lawyer's assessment. We discuss what this assessment entails and the likelihood that a legal matter will be resolved favourably or unfavourably based on the available evidence, legal principles, and precedents. 

In our continued quest to ensure that we deliver the best possible value for money on your Membership, we remind you about the new benefits available to our GoldPLUS and Platinum Members. Read more about these exciting additions.

We are also pleased to announce that the LegalWise Member Bursary Programme application process is open! Our Member Bursary Programme assists students with both financial and mentorship support to give them the best possible chance to successfully acquire a tertiary qualification that will springboard their careers. 

We invite applications from our Members and their children who have already completed or are currently completing their first year of full-time study at an approved public university towards one of the following degrees: LLB; BCom (Law); BA (Law); BCom (Accounting); BCom (Human Resource Management); BA (Human Resource Management); BCOM (Management); BSc (Industrial Psychology); BSc/ BCom (Informatics); BIS (Information Science). 

Visit the LegalWise website at https://www.legalwise.co.za/about/member-bursary-programme for more details and to download an application form or visit your nearest LegalWise Branch and request a Bursary application form.

Fully completed application forms must reach LegalWise by 30 September 2024 in order to be considered by the Bursary Selection Committee.

Further, we are excited to report on the success of our self-service matter reporting and grievance BOT. We have included a step-by-step guide on how to use it. Be sure to try it! 

#BeLegalWise

Siva Gengan                                                         

Chief Executive Officer