LA
Legal Aid South Africa
Verified Business
LA
AI Review Summary
Based on recent customer reviews, Legal Aid South Africa attracts strongly polarised feedback, with the majority of clients expressing serious frustration over their experience. Recurring themes include poor communication, unreturned calls and emails, lengthy delays on matters such as divorce, maintenance and criminal cases, and representatives withdrawing or failing to appear in court. A recurring complaint is that promised turnaround times are missed and case updates are not provided. In contrast, a smaller group of clients praise individual attorneys for professionalism, dedication and securing favourable outcomes, suggesting service quality varies significantly by representative.
Performance(last 12 months):
TrustIndex
2.9
Ranking
#70
in Business & Legal Services
NPS Score
-100
Recommended: Unlikely
Review Distribution
1.7|13 Reviews
Jul '25 - Jun '26
Recent reviews (13)
Used this business recently? Share your experience to help others decide.
Used this business recently? Share your experience to help others decide.
Share Your ExperienceA
Anonymous
1 reviews | Active since Jan 2020
28 May 2026, 08:47
Miss
Goid day I am not sure if it's the right option I have chisen6, but their emblem ia written Law debt legal aid, I have spoken with thwn to clear my accounts and when I ask for thier service to be terminated they are refusing to pay back my R2400. 00 they say once it's taken from my bank they can refund and they have send me a revirding to say. I waa told that there won't be a refund. The recording contradict with them cause it says if I canceled after 5 tmdays I will pay R230, 00ans again it says once the money is taken on my account I wont get it back. Money waa taken on the 15 May 2026 till today noyhing happened erespective that, I don't want their aervice anymore I want my money.They must nit ask fir my bank account qhen doing a refund they already have it. I just nees my money please help Thamk you Miss N. G. Luthuli 0760874873
Helpful (0)
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Anonymous
1 reviews | Active since Jan 2020
28 May 2026, 08:47
Miss
Goid day I am not sure if it's the right option I have chisen6, but their emblem ia written Law debt legal aid, I have spoken with thwn to clear my accounts and when I ask for thier service to be terminated they are refusing to pay back my R2400. 00 they say once it's taken from my bank they can refund and they have send me a revirding to say. I waa told that there won't be a refund. The recording contradict with them cause it says if I canceled after 5 tmdays I will pay R230, 00ans again it says once the money is taken on my account I wont get it back. Money waa taken on the 15 May 2026 till today noyhing happened erespective that, I don't want their aervice anymore I want my money.They must nit ask fir my bank account qhen doing a refund they already have it. I just nees my money please help Thamk you Miss N. G. Luthuli 0760874873
0
Replies (0)A
Anonymous
1 reviews | Active since Jan 2020
18 May 2026, 09:45
Complaint
I reached out to Legal Aid South Africa in all Cape Town branches in person and via email wanting to volunteer for my school assessment, that was about a month ago whenever you call or go there their Admin manager is always unavailable and not responding to emails.
Helpful (0)
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Anonymous
1 reviews | Active since Jan 2020
18 May 2026, 09:45
Complaint
I reached out to Legal Aid South Africa in all Cape Town branches in person and via email wanting to volunteer for my school assessment, that was about a month ago whenever you call or go there their Admin manager is always unavailable and not responding to emails.
0
Replies (0)A
Anonymous
1 reviews | Active since Jan 2020
29 Jan 2026, 18:49
Failure to provide services they claim to offer
So sad that this organization is failing to deliver the purpose of its existence. Accompanied family to one of your branches in need to assistence with a divorce that's in community of property, correct info and paperwork was provided. They were advised of a TAT, moooonths down the line, nothing. After further enquiries they were informed that the initial TAT was actually incorrect, how when this information was given by employees there. Zero communication, help, nothing. Typical public service provider, citizens can never reply on. So disheartened and disappointing. Seeing so many 1 star rating, you need to do better honestly.
Helpful (0)
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Anonymous
1 reviews | Active since Jan 2020
29 Jan 2026, 18:49
Failure to provide services they claim to offer
So sad that this organization is failing to deliver the purpose of its existence. Accompanied family to one of your branches in need to assistence with a divorce that's in community of property, correct info and paperwork was provided. They were advised of a TAT, moooonths down the line, nothing. After further enquiries they were informed that the initial TAT was actually incorrect, how when this information was given by employees there. Zero communication, help, nothing. Typical public service provider, citizens can never reply on. So disheartened and disappointing. Seeing so many 1 star rating, you need to do better honestly.
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Anonymous
1 reviews | Active since Jan 2020
13 Nov 2025, 01:17
Bad service
I app**** for representation on 21August and application was approved, then appointment with the lawyer was on 11/09/2025. I app**** for variation on my divorce settlement . Two months lated I called and the lawyer said I will get back to you let me check on your file. Few min later I got a lousy sms saying 'we will prepare the application in due course'. And that was it. During the briefing I was told I was going the get updated on da case every 2months. To my suprive I had to call in and ask and to my surprise nothing has been done since I left legal aid offices.
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Anonymous
1 reviews | Active since Jan 2020
13 Nov 2025, 01:17
Bad service
I app**** for representation on 21August and application was approved, then appointment with the lawyer was on 11/09/2025. I app**** for variation on my divorce settlement . Two months lated I called and the lawyer said I will get back to you let me check on your file. Few min later I got a lousy sms saying 'we will prepare the application in due course'. And that was it. During the briefing I was told I was going the get updated on da case every 2months. To my suprive I had to call in and ask and to my surprise nothing has been done since I left legal aid offices.
0
Replies (0)A
Anonymous
1 reviews | Active since Jan 2020
12 Nov 2025, 15:35
Legal Aid South africa
I know legal aid is a goverment assosiation , however they are useless. I had a complaint , After numerous cals and email , with permission they dont give me any feedback In fact the legal representative did not even arrive at the last court date. i THEN RECEIVED A Contact fron their headoffice a certain MR Lohale , he was extremely rude and my issue has still not been resolved . I have been trying to contact them telephonicaly. however they are ignoring me
Helpful (0)
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Anonymous
1 reviews | Active since Jan 2020
12 Nov 2025, 15:35
Legal Aid South africa
I know legal aid is a goverment assosiation , however they are useless. I had a complaint , After numerous cals and email , with permission they dont give me any feedback In fact the legal representative did not even arrive at the last court date. i THEN RECEIVED A Contact fron their headoffice a certain MR Lohale , he was extremely rude and my issue has still not been resolved . I have been trying to contact them telephonicaly. however they are ignoring me
0
Replies (0)A
Anonymous
1 reviews | Active since Jan 2020
30 Oct 2025, 08:29
Disgusted feedback from Legal Aid
Sharing my unbelievable and "sobering" experience with Legal Aid, that my ex-wife pushed to be put in place to represent our minor children because as a mother, she does not have a voice and neither wants to take no accountability. Firstly to the posters/image on can view: Legal Aid vision: Your Voice. For Justice. Mission: "Protecting and Defending the rights of women and children" Do we as men/fathers have any rights in the eyes of Legal Aid and their image? If Legal Aid is purely focused on defending and protecting the rights of women and children will the truth not be obscured? Some history, for the past 5 years I have been experiencing a frustrated long dragged-out divorce process where my access to my children is non existing – Parental Alienation and Manipulation tactics employed. I have had no contact or telephone with my children on their birthdays who recently turned 13 years old and 16 years old, respectively. My parental rights as a father are non-existing and my worth in my children’s lives is financially only. My children started their so-called therapy in 2021 and according to feedback I received a few weeks back from Legal Aid – “NO CONTACT WITH THE FATHER” The stance of Legal Aid Adv. Ms. *** is mind blowing and what breaks me to my bones is what I received a few days ago: Section 129(2)(a) which says that: ‘A child may consent to his or her own medical treatment .. if the child is over the age of 12 years old and the child is of sufficient maturity and has the mental capacity to understand the benefits, risks, social and other implications of the treatment’. 2. Your client is the holder of parental rights and responsibilities which include the obligation of care. He is therefore with reference to Section 1 responsible for the well-being of his children. 3. His children are saying that they need emotional support with a the****** of their choice. Your client having regard to his letters, fails to look past his own self-interest to see what the children need and want. It would seem he wants to hold their emotional wellbeing hostage and use it as a bargaining chip to further his interest. 4. Both children are older than 12 and therefore have to consent to their own medical treatment. They choose to have that treatment with Ms *** and not with anyone else. 5. The request is that your client will pay half of the emotional therapy with Ms xx to ensure his children’s emotional well-being. The request is not for his permission. His permission is not needed. Adv. Ms ***, FYI I as the father of my minor children have gone the extra mile and beyond to ensure my children receive the appropriate qualified therapy. You should ask the mother why the therapy is not being followed through. Why all recommendations that were made by Family Advocate, previous the****** etc. from 2021/2022 have not been adhered too. To your point that I will pay, Adv Ms ***. For your information I have paid more than my share of therapy bills and recently the mother has not paid her 50% portion of the therapy bill, which I paid without a question because the wellbeing of my children is my priority. You are taking away my parental rights and me seeking the professional help my children require, read the available reports and do your work!!! My minor children cannot perform an evaluation and diagnose their medical treatment because of parental alienation and manipulation. The the****** that the Adv Ms *** is saying my children will go see is not registered with the HPCSA, she is not qualified psychologist / psychiatrist that deals with such cases. In the Counselling The****** report she herself stated that the minor children need to seek professional help April 2024. As a parent, father and holding true to my parental rights and care for my children, I stand my ground that Legal Aid you are oblivious to factual state and road travelled. You are removing my parental rights and the agenda you are driving is unbelievable. STOP – INVESTIGATE – READ THE REPORTS – LOOK AT FACTUAL DATA THEN COMMENT
Helpful (0)
|Replies (0)A
Anonymous
1 reviews | Active since Jan 2020
30 Oct 2025, 08:29
Disgusted feedback from Legal Aid
Sharing my unbelievable and "sobering" experience with Legal Aid, that my ex-wife pushed to be put in place to represent our minor children because as a mother, she does not have a voice and neither wants to take no accountability. Firstly to the posters/image on can view: Legal Aid vision: Your Voice. For Justice. Mission: "Protecting and Defending the rights of women and children" Do we as men/fathers have any rights in the eyes of Legal Aid and their image? If Legal Aid is purely focused on defending and protecting the rights of women and children will the truth not be obscured? Some history, for the past 5 years I have been experiencing a frustrated long dragged-out divorce process where my access to my children is non existing – Parental Alienation and Manipulation tactics employed. I have had no contact or telephone with my children on their birthdays who recently turned 13 years old and 16 years old, respectively. My parental rights as a father are non-existing and my worth in my children’s lives is financially only. My children started their so-called therapy in 2021 and according to feedback I received a few weeks back from Legal Aid – “NO CONTACT WITH THE FATHER” The stance of Legal Aid Adv. Ms. *** is mind blowing and what breaks me to my bones is what I received a few days ago: Section 129(2)(a) which says that: ‘A child may consent to his or her own medical treatment .. if the child is over the age of 12 years old and the child is of sufficient maturity and has the mental capacity to understand the benefits, risks, social and other implications of the treatment’. 2. Your client is the holder of parental rights and responsibilities which include the obligation of care. He is therefore with reference to Section 1 responsible for the well-being of his children. 3. His children are saying that they need emotional support with a the****** of their choice. Your client having regard to his letters, fails to look past his own self-interest to see what the children need and want. It would seem he wants to hold their emotional wellbeing hostage and use it as a bargaining chip to further his interest. 4. Both children are older than 12 and therefore have to consent to their own medical treatment. They choose to have that treatment with Ms *** and not with anyone else. 5. The request is that your client will pay half of the emotional therapy with Ms xx to ensure his children’s emotional well-being. The request is not for his permission. His permission is not needed. Adv. Ms ***, FYI I as the father of my minor children have gone the extra mile and beyond to ensure my children receive the appropriate qualified therapy. You should ask the mother why the therapy is not being followed through. Why all recommendations that were made by Family Advocate, previous the****** etc. from 2021/2022 have not been adhered too. To your point that I will pay, Adv Ms ***. For your information I have paid more than my share of therapy bills and recently the mother has not paid her 50% portion of the therapy bill, which I paid without a question because the wellbeing of my children is my priority. You are taking away my parental rights and me seeking the professional help my children require, read the available reports and do your work!!! My minor children cannot perform an evaluation and diagnose their medical treatment because of parental alienation and manipulation. The the****** that the Adv Ms *** is saying my children will go see is not registered with the HPCSA, she is not qualified psychologist / psychiatrist that deals with such cases. In the Counselling The****** report she herself stated that the minor children need to seek professional help April 2024. As a parent, father and holding true to my parental rights and care for my children, I stand my ground that Legal Aid you are oblivious to factual state and road travelled. You are removing my parental rights and the agenda you are driving is unbelievable. STOP – INVESTIGATE – READ THE REPORTS – LOOK AT FACTUAL DATA THEN COMMENT
0
Replies (0)A
Anonymous
1 reviews | Active since Jan 2020
26 Sept 2025, 10:27
Beyond expectations
I am writing to express my deepest gratitude for the exceptional legal services you provided throughout my case by Cynthia Kgare Legal aid Joburg. Your unwavering dedication, expertise, and strategic approach were instrumental in securing a favorable outcome. I greatly appreciate your professionalism, guidance, and commitment to achieving the best possible result. Thank you for advocating on my behalf and for your tireless efforts in navigating through a complex legal process. Your exceptional skills and attention to detail did not go unnoticed, and I am truly grateful for everything you have done. I would not hesitate to recommend your services to anyone in need of outstanding legal representation. Thank you once again for your outstanding work i would never ask for another lawyer only you. Warm regards, Cynthia Seale Kgare Legal-Aid
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Anonymous
1 reviews | Active since Jan 2020
26 Sept 2025, 10:27
Beyond expectations
I am writing to express my deepest gratitude for the exceptional legal services you provided throughout my case by Cynthia Kgare Legal aid Joburg. Your unwavering dedication, expertise, and strategic approach were instrumental in securing a favorable outcome. I greatly appreciate your professionalism, guidance, and commitment to achieving the best possible result. Thank you for advocating on my behalf and for your tireless efforts in navigating through a complex legal process. Your exceptional skills and attention to detail did not go unnoticed, and I am truly grateful for everything you have done. I would not hesitate to recommend your services to anyone in need of outstanding legal representation. Thank you once again for your outstanding work i would never ask for another lawyer only you. Warm regards, Cynthia Seale Kgare Legal-Aid
0
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