Legal Aid South Africa announced that clients are now free to visit their offices directly without calling its advice line to book an appointment.
This directive comes after the country moved to lockdown level 1.
The move to level 1 prompted legal services provider to revise its guidelines and regulations to allow walk-in clients for both criminal and civil matters, as well as for legal advice.
Legal Aid SA provides legal services to more than 700,000 people yearly.
Ever since the phasing in of lockdown in SA, the organisation had been operating on a minimal staff work plan and appointments.
However, it indicated that it will keep to Covid-19 health and safety protocols in all of its 64 offices and 64 satellite offices despite the walk-in directive.
Legal Aid SA spokesperson Mfanafuthi Shabangu said “we remain committed to taking proactive measures to ensure your safety and wellbeing during these trying times”.
He added that clients will not be allowed into Legal Aid SA offices without a face mask.
Before members of the public can come in, their temperature will be checked and their hands will be sanitised.
They are also expected to abide by social-distancing protocols.
