Alex residents have 300 professionals in the legal and accounting sectors at their disposal to help change their life circumstances.
This was said by ENSafrica’s resident legal practitioner, Ngoako Raboshakga at Sankopano Community Centre.
He also outlined the different legal, business and training services they offered. Raboshakga said although there was an increase in the number of cases they dealt with, more people could still be assisted in various other areas, including domestic violence and sexual abuse.
He stated that most clients sought support on labour matters such as unemployment, insurance funds, dismissals, and small claims court issues, while small businesses sought help on funding documentation and contracts.
Raboshakga said his 300 colleagues at the Sandton office were obliged to provide pro bono services through the Alex offices and were always ready to assist. The Alex office is a satellite and entry point for their services. They handle some of the cases to completion and refer others to their colleagues, who, on a daily basis attend to five or more cases.
Other cases are referred to the local magistrates’ court. He said eligibility for the services was determined by a means test and monthly income of up to R7000.
Their proactive work involves training programmes and workshops on legal and business matters for individuals and groups. The workshops are for three hours and include the provision of material. Also, they conduct community education through radio slots on Tuesdays, draft educational articles for local newspapers, constitutional education in schools, as well as an intensive course for local leaders on the constitution. They also train the police on criminal, legal and forensic matters, and support the community policing forum on their mediation work.
Raboshakga said their services enabled the firm to contribute meaningfully to restoring citizens’ rights and alleviating poverty. “Often, people are denied rights and are impoverished after unfair dismissals because they can’t afford costly legal services. By assisting small businesses, we also alleviate poverty as they generate employment,” he said.
He added that the training gave people and groups courage to hold government accountable and helped those in government like the police to be more responsive to communities’ concerns and problems.
The office has training and workshop facilities and is manned by three staff members including Raboshakga.
