The University of Johannesburg (UJ) Law Clinic, in partnership with the Office of the Public Protector, recently hosted a vital outreach programme at the Wesbury Community Centre, successfully connecting residents with legal resources and support.
This initiative is a critical component of the UJ Law Clinic’s broader mission: to extend access to justice beyond the courtroom and the campus. By offering free legal assistance and promoting legal literacy, the Clinic ensures that ordinary South Africans are aware of their rights and the remedies available to them.
The partnership with the Public Protector’s office added a powerful dimension of institutional accountability to the programme, giving community members a platform to voice concerns and connect directly with institutions mandated to safeguard their rights.
Direct Dialogue and Practical Solutions
The session was designed to empower residents by raising awareness of their fundamental rights, addressing individual legal concerns, and fostering an open dialogue. Law Clinic staff and UJ law students engaged directly with more than 40 community members through presentations, detailed Q&A sessions, and confidential one-on-one consultations.
Participants brought forward a range of challenges, from complex housing disputes to essential consumer rights issues. The direct engagement strengthened trust between the institution and the community, expanding access to justice and demonstrating UJ’s concrete societal impact.
The practical guidance was immediately impactful, as noted by several attendees:
“I didn’t know where to start with my housing dispute, but today I received clear guidance and I now feel confident to take the next steps,” said a Wesbury resident who was in attendance.
“The presence of the UJ Law Clinic in our community shows that we are not forgotten. Thank you for listening to us and offering real solutions,”said a local community leader.
Making the Law Accessible
The success of the initiative was underscored by the commitment of the legal professionals involved.
Elton Hart, an Attorney at the UJ Law Clinic, emphasised the programme’s core objective. “Our goal is to make the law accessible, and today’s engagement shows how legal education can directly change lives,” he said.
A Representative from the Office of the Public Protector echoed this sentiment, stating, “Bringing our services closer to communities like Wesbury ensures that every voice is heard and every right protected.”
By connecting research-led education with tangible community service, the UJ Law Clinic continues to bridge the gap between academic learning and real-world needs, offering both a lifeline to underprivileged individuals and an invaluable training ground for UJ’s future legal practitioners.
