SINCE its launch a year ago, the Legal Aid Advice Line has grown in leaps and bounds, with just over 50 000 calls taken by the call centre to date.
When it started operations in June 2010, the call centre’s primary focus areas were children, family and land matters. However, advice has been given to callers seeking help with a range of other legal issues.
“However we are increasingly getting requests for assistance in other areas of the law, and this may inform the type of services we need to render in the future,” said Legal Aid SA Communications Executive, Mpho Phasha.
“Matters that require further attention are referred to our justice centres for handling. In addition to this, the Legal Aid Advice Line has a strong network of referral organisations that deal with matters that fall outside the scope of work of the call centre.”
Legal Aid Advice Line Manager, Andries Nthebe, said he was happy with the pace at which the call centre was growing, and that he was confident that it had a positive impact on the lives of the poor and vulnerable, especially those in far-flung areas.
“The call centre has tremendously reduced the cost of accessing justice for rural people as they no longer need to travel long distances to our justice centres.”
The calls have increased to an average of 4000 per month, necessitating the need to increase the call centre staff capacity. The number to call is 0800 110 110.
