- Clients will still be able to access legal services and representation through Legal Aid South Africa.
- The strike by SALAWU members began on 17 June 2026.
- Legal Aid South Africa confirms that business continuity plans are active.
Legal Aid South Africa has reiterated that legal services will be available despite the ongoing strike by members of the South African Legal Workers’ Union (SALAWU).
The organisation confirmed that the industrial action started on 17 June 2026, but reassured clients that steps have been taken to minimise any disruptions.
“Legal Aid South Africa respects the constitutional rights of employees to participate in this lawful and protected industrial action,” the organisation stated in a statement.
Legal Aid South Africa emphasised its ongoing commitment to its legal responsibilities, especially to vulnerable and indigent people.
Commitment to access to justice
The organisation stated that its responsibilities under the Legal Aid South Africa Act 39 of 2014 have not changed because of the strike.
“At the same time, the organisation is still dedicated to its statutory mandate under the Legal Aid South Africa Act 39 of 2014, safeguarding access to justice for vulnerable and indigent people,” Legal Aid South Africa added.
This statement comes as SALAWU members join a nationwide protest over concerns about working conditions, staffing, and resources within Legal Aid South Africa.
Additional context on the protest
Members of the union have embarked on a two-day nationwide protest action. Workers are picketing outside Legal Aid South Africa’s offices in Braamfontein over what they describe as deteriorating working conditions and a lack of resources.
The union has accused the Department of Justice of implementing budget cuts and freezing critical posts. It says the situation is being worsened by the mandatory retirement of experienced legal aid lawyers at the age of 60, while their counterparts in the NPA and members of the judiciary are permitted to work until between 65 and 70 years of age.
The union claims to represent the majority of workers employed by Legal Aid South Africa, an important training ground for young legal practitioners entering the profession and the only avenue for accessing legal representation in both civil and criminal matters for many poor and vulnerable South Africans.
Continuity measures activated
Legal Aid South Africa said it activated its business and service continuity plans to make sure clients keep receiving assistance and representation.
“We have put appropriate business and service continuity measures in place to minimise disruption, making sure clients continue to receive legal help and representation,” the organisation said.
While no details of the measures were given, Legal Aid South Africa said these efforts are aimed at limiting the impact on clients who rely on their services.
Advice line remains available
Anyone needing legal help can still use Legal Aid South Africa’s support channels during the strike. Clients can call the Legal Aid Advice Line on 0800 110 110 from 7am to 7pm on weekdays.
If you can’t make a call, you can send a Please Call Me to 079 835 7179, and a consultant will get back to you. Legal Aid South Africa said it is focused on making sure legal services stay accessible throughout the strike.
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