Responding to Need
There is much need in the socio-economic maelstrom that is South Africa, and Cliffe Dekker, our member firm in South Africa, has a long-held tradition of providing community support and taking on pro bono matters, with a special focus on education.
Lawyers in Cape Town and Johannesburg help schools and educational institutions with governance issues and employment and general legal matters. Some of our lawyers serve on boards of governors, helping to develop stronger links with educational institutions.
When the need is even more acute we try to respond strategically. In 2005, we helped The Come Together Children’s Haven buy a nine-hectare property near Sebokeng. It’s now a base that sends caregivers – women supported by the Iflend Outreach organization – into the townships to feed, clothe and care for HIV and AIDS orphans. Those in need of special care are brought to the haven and cared for until they can return to their community. Weekends are special occasions, when all the children come together at the property. We help with maintenance by providing practical, hands-on support and we sponsor major capital acquisitions, such as purchasing a vehicle, through funding. Our people also provide monthly donations of food, clothing and other useful items.