Legal Aid SA Stellenbosch Local Office

Legal Aid South Africa is not an NGO — it is a statutory body created by Parliament, with a legal mandate to provide professional legal representation to people who cannot afford to pay for a lawyer. This is a constitutional right in South Africa: Section 35 of the Constitution guarantees the right to legal representation at state expense in criminal matters, and Section 28 extends specific rights to children. Legal Aid SA is the institution through which that right is realised.

Their services are available to all qualifying South Africans — with eligibility determined through a means test that takes income and assets into account. Legal Aid SA specifically identifies vulnerable groups as a priority: women, children, the elderly, people with disabilities, and the rural poor.

For GBV survivors, Legal Aid SA is often the only route to professional legal representation — and the Advice Line (0800 110 110) is the first point of contact for anyone who needs legal help but is unsure where to start.

What They Offer GBV Survivors and Vulnerable Persons

Free Advice Line — 0800 110 110 (Mon–Fri, 7am–7pm) The national toll-free Advice Line connects callers anywhere in South Africa with legal practitioners who can provide immediate legal advice and guidance. No appointment needed. No office visit required. If you have no airtime, send a Please Call Me to 079 835 7179 and they will call you back.

Free Legal Representation — Subject to Means Test Qualifying individuals receive free professional legal representation in criminal and civil matters, including: - Domestic violence and protection orders under the Domestic Violence Act - Criminal cases including rape, sexual assault, and assault - Divorce proceedings connected to abuse - Child custody and maintenance matters - Child protection applications - Evictions from the family home

Family Matters — Divorce, Custody, and Maintenance Legal Aid SA's dedicated Family Matters section handles the legal processes that GBV survivors often face when leaving abusive relationships: divorce, protection of assets, custody of children, and maintenance orders.

Criminal Cases — Accused and Victim Rights Legal Aid SA provides legal representation for accused persons who cannot afford representation (this is the constitutional mandate), but also provides advice to victims navigating the criminal justice system — including guidance on their rights as complainants.

Self-Help Portal The Legal Aid SA website includes a self-help portal with guides, information, and legal advice on a wide range of matters — accessible to anyone with internet access, free of charge.

Nationwide Office Network Legal Aid SA has offices in every province, in most major towns and cities. The Find Us tool on their website locates the nearest office by area. Note that the Swellendam satellite office is currently temporarily closed (March 2026) — clients can call 060 531 3061 or the Advice Line.

Land Rights Management Unit LegalAid SA's Land Rights Management Unit handles illegal farm eviction matters — protecting the rights of farm workers and land occupiers, including women and families being unlawfully removed.

Strategic Litigation Beyond individual cases, Legal Aid SA engages in strategic impact litigation on matters of broad constitutional and human rights significance — including matters that affect the rights of women and children.

Legal Aid South Africa: Advice Line 0800 110 110 (toll-free, Mon–Fri 7am–7pm). Please Call Me: 079 835 7179. Find your nearest office: legal-aid.co.za/find-us. Legal Aid is FREE — never pay for legal aid. Report fraud to 0800 153 728.