A LEGAL assistance facility for low-income earners has been established by the Legal Aid Board of South Africa.
The recently launched Legal Aid Advice Line is focused mainly on civil, family and land law matters.
Spokesperson Mpho Phasha said research showed that many people required assistance in civil matters but cannot afford it or lack information and access to legal services.
"This reality has compelled us to sharpen our focus on civil matters, hence the establishment of the call centre, which we believe will go a long way bridging these barriers to access," Phasha said.
Only people earning R5000 or less a month will qualify for the service.
If they cannot be helped over the phone, they will be allocated a lawyer from a justice centre closest to them to take the matter forward.
Phasha said women and children are usually the most affected groups in civil conflicts such as divorce and land disputes.
Results of a 2008 survey revealed that over a 10-year period, of the nearly two million farm workers and dwellers that were evicted and over four million that were displaced, 77percent were women and children.
"With the increasing vulnerability of our children and the poor, it became inevitable that we do something proactive to address these issues," he said.
Clients will therefore no longer need to spend money to travel to our justice centres for legal advise."
The number to dial for assistance is 0860-534-258.
Legal aid for low-income earners
A LEGAL assistance facility for low-income earners has been established by the Legal Aid Board of South Africa.
The recently launched Legal Aid Advice Line is focused mainly on civil, family and land law matters.
Spokesperson Mpho Phasha said research showed that many people required assistance in civil matters but cannot afford it or lack information and access to legal services.
"This reality has compelled us to sharpen our focus on civil matters, hence the establishment of the call centre, which we believe will go a long way bridging these barriers to access," Phasha said.
Only people earning R5000 or less a month will qualify for the service.
If they cannot be helped over the phone, they will be allocated a lawyer from a justice centre closest to them to take the matter forward.
Phasha said women and children are usually the most affected groups in civil conflicts such as divorce and land disputes.
Results of a 2008 survey revealed that over a 10-year period, of the nearly two million farm workers and dwellers that were evicted and over four million that were displaced, 77percent were women and children.
"With the increasing vulnerability of our children and the poor, it became inevitable that we do something proactive to address these issues," he said.
Clients will therefore no longer need to spend money to travel to our justice centres for legal advise."
The number to dial for assistance is 0860-534-258.
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