Access to legal help should not depend on income. Many Eastern Cape residents face evictions, family disputes, unfair dismissal, or criminal charges. Hiring a private lawyer can be too expensive for most. Legal Aid South Africa (LASA) bridges this gap by providing free and affordable legal assistance to those who need it most.
Timely legal advice protects your rights, your family, and your home. It helps you understand your options and ensures you are fairly represented in court.
What Legal Aid South Africa Does
Core Services
If you qualify, Legal Aid South Africa can help you with:
- Legal advice: Guidance on your rights, procedures, and options.
- Legal representation: Full legal defence or representation in court.
- Document assistance: Help drafting affidavits, letters, and court papers.
- Referrals: Connecting you with other organisations if your case falls outside LASA’s mandate.
Who Qualifies for Assistance
Eligibility depends on a Means Test and a Merit Test.
- The Means Test assesses your financial situation — your income, assets, and monthly expenses.
- The Merit Test looks at the seriousness and likelihood of success of your case.
You will likely qualify if:
- You are unemployed or earn a low income.
- You have no savings or significant assets.
- Your case affects your fundamental rights (such as freedom, family, or housing).
Children in criminal cases automatically qualify. Some non-citizens may qualify in specific circumstances (e.g., asylum or child protection cases).
How Legal Aid Ensures Fairness and Justice
Legal Aid South Africa promotes equality by ensuring that no one is denied justice due to financial hardship. It focuses on rural communities, women, children, and other vulnerable groups, providing qualified legal professionals and local offices across the province.
How to Get in Touch
- National Advice Line: 0800 110 110 (Mon–Fri, 7 am–7 pm)
- Please-Call-Me Line: 079 835 7179
- Complaint Line: 0800 153 728
- Find an Office: Visit legal-aid.co.za for the office locator tool.
How to Apply for Legal Aid
You can apply in person, by phone, or online. The process is free.
Step-by-Step Guide
Step 1: Contact Your Nearest Office
Call the Advice Line or find your local office. Ask what documents you need and whether you should book an appointment or walk in.
Step 2: Gather Required Documents
Bring the following:
- South African ID or passport
- Proof of income (or a statement of unemployment)
- Details of household income and dependants
- Any relevant documents: court summons, charge sheet, eviction notice, maintenance order, employment contract, etc.
Step 3: Attend the Consultation
A staff member will ask about your case, perform a Means Test, and record details. They’ll assess whether your case qualifies for full representation.
Step 4: Outcome and Next Steps
If approved, a Legal Aid lawyer will take your case or assign one to represent you. If declined, you’ll receive reasons and information on how to appeal.
Tips for Faster Processing
- Bring original and photocopied documents.
- Prepare a one-page summary of what happened and when.
- Have all your contact details written down.
- Follow up politely if you don’t receive feedback.
- Update the office if your income or address changes.
List of Legal Aid Offices in the Eastern Cape
Legal Aid South Africa operates Justice Centres and satellite offices throughout the province. Offices are generally open weekdays from 8:00 AM to 4:00 PM. Below is a verified list of key offices compiled from official sources.
| Office Name | Head of Office | Physical Address | Postal Address | Telephone | Fax |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Provincial Office (Gqeberha/Port Elizabeth) | Mr Hope Bambiso | 1 Uitenhage Road, North End, Gqeberha 6001 | PO Box 63799, Greenacres, Gqeberha 6056 | (041) 363 8863 | (041) 363 1216 |
| East London | Ms Tobeka Maqwati | 33 Fleet Street (Commissioner Street entrance), East London 5200 | PO Box 7570, East London 5200 | (043) 704 4700 | (043) 722 3503 |
| Komani (Queenstown) | Ms Yolundi Ngxola-Tshona | No. 2–4 Shepstone Road, Jeantel Building, Erf 5273, Komani 5319 | PO Box 1398, Komani 5320 | (045) 839 3204 | (045) 838 4620 |
| Qonce (King William’s Town) | Mr Phumlani Dlamkile | Old Mutual Building, 2nd Floor, Corner Cathcart & Mclean Streets, Qonce 5601 | PO Box 2323, Qonce 5600 | (043) 604 6600 | (043) 642 4885 |
| Mthatha | Mr Mandla Mngaza | PRD Building, 98 Sutherland Street, Mthatha 5099 | PO Box 536, Mthatha 5099 | (047) 501 4600 | (047) 531 4144 |
| Maletswai (Aliwal North) | Ms Monica Mazibukwana | 67 Somerset Street, Aliwal North 9750 | PO Box 153, Aliwal North 9750 | (051) 633 2530 | (051) 634 2662 |
| Butterworth | Mr Lunga Marenene | ECDC Building, 24 High Street, Butterworth 4960 | PO Box 553, Butterworth 4960 | (047) 491 0006 | (047) 401 3809 |
| Lusikisiki | Not Specified | Offices 9 & 10, Embassy Building, AMCA Road, Lusikisiki | — | (039) 253 1442 | (039) 253 1442 |
| Bizana | Not Specified | Located in Alfred Nzo District | — | (039) 251 0000 | — |
| Cradock | Not Specified | Located in Chris Hani District | — | (048) 881 4800 | — |
| Aliwal North | Not Specified | 67 Somerset Street, Aliwal North | PO Box 153, Aliwal North | (051) 633 2579 / 30 | (051) 634 2662 |
Additional Notes:
- Satellite Offices: Smaller walk-in centres operate in towns such as Mthatha, Grahamstown (Makhanda), Kariega, Butterworth, and at the University of Fort Hare.
- District Coverage: Each office covers several nearby areas. For example, East London covers Buffalo City Metro, and Komani serves the Joe Gqabi District.
- No appointment required for initial consultations, but representation requires screening.
- For urgent or emergency matters, contact the nearest office directly.
Read more: Legal Aid South Africa: Services & Support Guide 2025
When to Seek Legal Aid
Many people wait too long to get legal advice, which can hurt their case. Seek help as soon as you receive a summons, notice, or threat.
Common Situations
- Criminal cases: Arrests, bail hearings, or upcoming court appearances.
- Family matters: Divorce, maintenance, domestic violence, or child custody.
- Housing: Evictions, rental disputes, or unlawful occupation issues.
- Employment: Unfair dismissal, unpaid wages, or discrimination.
- Debt and consumer rights: When creditors or service providers treat you unfairly.
Quick Checklist — Do You Qualify?
- You cannot afford a private lawyer.
- Your household income meets the Legal Aid Means Test.
- The case is serious and affects your rights or wellbeing.
- You have supporting documents.
- The matter takes place within the Eastern Cape.
If you ticked most boxes, you probably qualify for free or low-cost help.
Justice belongs to everyone, not only those who can afford it. Legal Aid South Africa ensures that people in the Eastern Cape have a fair chance to be heard and represented. If Legal Aid cannot assist, request a referral to a community law clinic or public-interest organisation. Acting early is the best way to protect your rights. Legal Aid South Africa stands for fairness, dignity, and access to justice for all — because justice should never depend on wealth.
