Since 2019, the Law Society of South Africa (LSSA) has been holding meetings for the establishment of provincial attorneys’ associations in the nine provinces of South Africa. The establishment of provincial associations is set out in the preamble of the LSSA constitution, which states:
‘We, the representatives of legal practitioners in South Africa, the Black Lawyers Association, the National Association of Democratic Lawyers, the Independent Lawyers Associations from the nine provinces of South Africa as the constituent members of the Law Society of South Africa, in recognising the changes brought about by the Legal Practice Act [28 of 2014]:
In 2023, the LSSA is coordinating meetings of the various Provincial Associations. The objective is to ensure that practical activities for the benefit of practitioners are effective and address the concerns and challenges facing practitioners within the region. In addition, the meeting will advise on assistance required and report on activities that address practitioners’ challenges at a local level (issues on the ground).
The Provincial Association meetings will be held for the benefit of local practitioners. All practitioners in the particular province are invited to the meeting, so that they can be informed on the progress and activities of the association, which is in the interest of all practitioners in the province, wherever they are based.
Members of the LSSA House of Constituents/Council from the Provinces will avail themselves to attend the meetings. The LSSA’s Executive Director, Anthony Pillay, will also attend these meetings to talk to and listen to members and the Association and offer assistance and guidance where needed.
Many towns still have their local associations active, and provinces must include these members in their communications and engagements. All meetings will be held at 4 pm. The meeting will be hybrid (physical and virtual via ZOOM) to encourage participation.
Venue details will be circulated where these are not yet confirmed:
The LSSA has agreed that where there are Task Team meetings (Association not yet established), practitioners within the province are invited to participate in meetings, physically where possible or via the ZOOM option. All meetings are hosted by the Provincial Executive or Task Team members (where applicable). Kindly extend this invitation to fellow practitioners or colleagues. Practitioners are urged to join their provincial association as it is in their best interest.
This article was first published in De Rebus in 2023 (Jan/Feb) DR 3.
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