Dear Member,

As we take our long strides into 2022, we are filled with hope and look forward to opportunities and exciting times ahead. Hope, that the COVID-19 virus is now better understood than when it first reared its head. Exciting times lie ahead as the world's economy starts to slowly and cautiously open up.

We are pleased to announce that LegalWise South Africa has appointed Ms Deborah Mutemwa-Tumbo as a non-Executive Director with effect from 16 February 2022. Deborah holds an LLB, LLM (cum laude), is a practising attorney and executive chair-woman. For more about Deborah's impressive career, visit her LinkedIn page.

We also welcome our new Bursary Holders to the LegalWise family. These young men and women will receive valuable work experience and assistance from our Member Bursary Programme with a peer-to-peer mentoring system which pairs new Bursary Holders with alumni of the Programme.

In this edition of the WiseUp Newsletter we discuss the journey the South African Constitution has gone through over the past 25 years. Read more about the Bill of Rights, how it protects you and some of the interesting landmark court cases and rulings.

Read the article addressing the issue of how and why unmarried fathers can now give their children their surname.

We discuss the topic of the freedom of speech and the laws that apply especially on social media. The Constitution promotes freedom of speech but with limitations. Read more about what is protected and what could be seen as defamation.

In our continued effort to improve our services, we have enhanced our communication platforms to ensure speedy responses. Our Members will now receive automated SMS messages that give them updates on their on-going matters. We will also confirm receipt of any e-mail we receive so you can rest assured we've received it and are working on it.

As a pioneer in the industry, we continue to expand on the way we provide legal information. One of our newest platforms is our Podcasts. To listen to these Podcasts.

Our Kimberley and Newcastle Branches have moved to new premises.

Don't forget that as a LegalWise Member you can consult with one of our Legal Counsellors via video consultation. It is simple and easy. Call us on 010 271 2255 for further information.

You made the right choice choosing LegalWise. We are specialists, we are fiercely independent and we are a company you can trust!

#BeLegalWise

Yours sincerely,

Siva Gengan                                                                         

Chief Executive Officer