Reforms welcomed by Legal Aid

The new legislation will ensure that the public has access to legal representation and that they will be informed of what their rights are. The act should ensure that all South African citizens can ask for legal advice on any legal matter and know what their options and obligations are.

Legal Aid spokesperson Mpho Phasha said the act made sure that they stayed independent as an organisation. The act mandated that attorneys and candidate attorneys be fit and proper individuals in order to serve the public properly.

Phasha added that the introduction of a Legal Aid manual will assist the public in determining what their legal rights were in any situation they might find themselves in. The manual has to be published within two years of the commencement of the act.