Free legal service not used

Residents of Alexandra are not fully utilising the pro-bono services of the legal firm, ENSafrica.

The firm has been operating from the Sankopano Community Centre for a number of years. Its services include advice on domestic violence, child law, maintenance, contracts, traditional marriages, debt management, employment law, social grants, court cases, land and property and wills and estates. Also, it convenes free workshops and training programmes on computer skills, skills development on legal and other matters, business advice, and provides networking opportunities.

A firm official, Fiona Mainole, said despite their several years of operating at Sankopano, their free and professional services are still not utilised fully. “We want to attend to 10 and more clients daily but on average only five people walk in seeking help, yet we know there are many who need our services as they can’t afford them privately,” she said.

Mainole said the social and economic conditions of the area caused the firm to set up office in Alex.

Meanwhile, the firm will convene a partnership workshop with the Department of Trade and Industry on funding, support and training to businesses on 18 September. The department will avail its services through its different units and also the National Empowerment Fund, Proudly South Africa and the South Africa Youth Directorate. Those attending [businesses and other stakeholders] will be provided space to exhibit their work. Those who are interested are urged to confirm attendance by 12 September.

Also, the firm will on 12 September conduct its third graduation of 30 participants who completed a six-month course on the Constitution and human rights. The course is for anyone and has been attended by teachers, councillors and community policing forum members. A social activist, Thabo Mopasi said their training raised his awareness about human rights abuse, which often happened without people’s knowledge.

Although the course – which includes aspects of socio-economic rights, access to justice and crime – is not accredited, Mainole said it gives participants practical skills for daily application in protecting and promoting one’s rights, and the rights of others.

Details: ENSafrica; 011 555 0980