GEORGE NEWS - The George Justice Centre of Legal Aid South Africa scooped no less than seven places at the Western and Northern Cape Regional Achiever Awards function of the company.

One of these is a third place for the centre in the category Business Unit of the Year. Ergenee Everts won the award for first place in the category Paralegal of the Year.

The other performers at the awards function were:

• Jo-Anne Meyer - second in Support Employee of the Year;
• Glenecia Tobias - second in Candidate Attorney of the Year;
• Ashwell Jacobs - second in Upcoming Lawyer of the Year;
• Gustav Deyce - second in Lawyer of the Year;
• Cindy Murray-Smith - third in Manager of the Year.

The awards recognise outstanding achievements of staff throughout the year. Legal Aid South Africa offers legal assistance to all South Africans and representation to those who qualify for legal aid based on a means test. "The company is divided into six regions to ensure effective service to indigent citizens. With over 500 employees in the Western and Northern Cape region alone, stringent criteria must be set for staff to qualify for these awards," said Cindy Klassen, regional communications officer.

A large number of staff from the 12 Justice Centres in this region were nominated by their managers and fellow colleagues and they went through a rigorous selection process. The criteria included an overall performance achievement of 85 per cent minimum throughout the year and employment with the company for at least one year.


George Justice Centre of Legal Aid South Africa award winners are, from back left: Cindy Murray Smith, Gustav Deyce, Pieter Terblanche, Jo-Ann Meyer and Walied Sait. In front is Ashwell Jacobs and Ergenee Everts. The George JC was also second runner up for best Business Unit of the Year.

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