GEORGE NEWS - Newly appointed as the official ombudsman for the credit bureau in George, Muhammed Patel loves working with the community and helping less fortunate individuals.
In his authority as ombudsman, Patel will counsel any person with debt to understand their rights and give appropriate advice for the specific situation.
Furthermore, Patel runs a series of upliftment programmes at their community centre in Pacaltsdorp, which doubles as an office for legal advice.
In his authority as legal adviser, Patel is currently working on several cases of fraud, amongst which quite a number of cases where property has been obtained in a fraudulent manner.
This centre also serves as a satellite office for the public protector’s office in town and offers services free of charge to members of the community.

Functioning independently
As the ombudsman for the credit bureau, Patel works independently of government or any political party and helps with the screening of complaints from aggrieved persons.
Last Tuesday morning an official of the department of the public protector enlightened members of the community about the role of the public protector at Pacaltsdorp’s library. Members were advised on the different aspects which a public protector investigates as well as the ways in which the office works.
Apart form their legal services, the George Community Upliftment Centre reaches out to abused women and children as part of their work in the community.
For more information about the centre, contact Muhammed on 044 878 1066 or visit the Centre at 57B Beach Road in Pacaltsdorp.

Article and photo: Michelle Pienaar