Legal education alone cannot solve the financial barriers people face…”
Protea Glen, 31 October 2025: Senior citizens in Protea Glen gathered at the Joe Gqabi Integrated Development Centre for a legal clinic hosted by the Pumeza Mngambi Foundation. The event, titled Legal Masterclass, aimed to empower the community with knowledge about their legal rights and estate planning, covering topics such as illegal evictions, wills, customary marriages, and property transfer.
The session was led by a guest Zola Mbatha, an attorney, fiduciary specialist and recognized rights activist. Mbatha, who will be honoured with the Rights Activist of the Year award at the upcoming SA Heroes Awards on the 29th of November, captivated attendees with her clarity and energy. The audience, predominantly senior citizens, engaged enthusiastically, asking questions and sharing personal experiences, underscoring the relevance of the issues discussed.
Speaking about the motivation behind the event, Linda Mngambi, founder of the Pumeza Mngambi Foundation, said: “There is a lack of information in our communities. We have a relationship with senior citizens and understand their needs, so it was important to bring this knowledge closer to home. It’s about empowering people so they can protect themselves and their families.”
Mngambi shared that the foundation was inspired by personal experiences. “The foundation is named after my late sister. She left behind two daughters when she passed away, and it took me years to find employment. I want to use those experiences to be a bridge for others, so they don’t have to struggle the way we did.”
The choice to host the event at the Joe Gqabi Centre was deliberate. “We serve senior citizens daily here, and unfortunately, they often feel overlooked in society,” said Mngambi. “By bringing information to them directly, we hope to inform and protect multiple generations within the community.”
Zola Mbatha explained her approach to legal activism: “I empower people by teaching them about their rights. Many South Africans don’t understand the law, and if they do, they often lack the funds to act on it. My work is about bridging that gap, giving people knowledge that can protect their homes, estates, and families.”
Despite the enthusiasm, Mbatha highlighted ongoing challenges: “Legal education alone cannot solve the financial barriers people face. Many still cannot afford the costs of estate administration, which leaves families vulnerable. That’s why events like this clinic are crucial, they provide knowledge, raise awareness, and can prevent future disputes.”
The Legal Masterclass also provided practical guidance on estate planning and property ownership, ensuring attendees leave with actionable knowledge. The interactive sessions and Q&A allowed participants to address specific concerns, making the event both informative and highly relevant.
As Mngambi concluded, “We might not fix everything in one day, but if we can help even five or ten families protect their homes or estates, it makes a difference. That’s why this work is so close to my heart.”
The Pumeza Mngambi Foundation continues to host community empowerment initiatives, focusing on education, legal awareness, and youth development, with the aim of bringing critical resources closer to those who need them most.
By Sinentlantla Mbokwe
