Page 44 - SCAT Rural Voice II - 35 Stories for 35 Years

Access to Justice
The Qunu Advice Office, consisting of two people, began operating from premises set aside by the traditional leader, within his home. currently, it is located below the traditional leader’s house, at the Thusong community centre. The greater Qunu area consists of 18 Villages. The service we offer is not, however, only restricted to the residents of the area.
We deal with various issues our community and the surrounding villagers are battling with. some of the areas in which we offer advice and assistance, include facilitating disabled persons to access state assistance. Unfortunately, it is only after our involvement that cases are considered important. Another common area in which we offer assistance and advice is accessing birth certificates for children not registered. This work is essential because parents cannot access child support grants without birth certificates.
Another area of service concerns ex-mine workers who suffer from silicosis. Our services include the facilitation of worker compensation claims in relation to injuries sustained on duty and worker benefits.
We offer community outreach programmes, using the imbizo settings at rondavels, educating the community on their human rights. These meetings are held at the home of the traditional leader or the sub-headman. The settings of these meetings are important, because it strengthens the relationship of trust between the community, the traditional leadership and our organisation. This collective work has resulted in members of the community building up the courage to voice various issues around human rights. These platforms further clarify other projects needed in the community, for instance around gender-based violence.
I am truly grateful for the work I am exposed to and participate in at the Advice Office, as it combines both social work and law. Very little of this work would be possible without the financial and training support offered by SCAT.
Staff of Qunu Advice Office Philiswa Gwazela, Luyanda Ndabeni and Nomalungisa Khandawuli.
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RuRal Voice ii: 35 stories for 35 years