Panel at SMME event
This year marks a decade since the establishment of the Yakha Isizwe (‘Building a Nation’) Help Desk , an initiative that has bridged the gap between small businesses and vital legal services.
The idea was born in 2015, when it became clear that many township entrepreneurs such as hairdressers and sole proprietors faced barriers in accessing affordable commercial legal support. Recognising this need, the Centre for Small Business Development (CSBD) at the University of Johannesburg’s Soweto campus, ProBono.Org and Fasken joined forces to launch a dedicated legal help desk. The initiative was then formalised through a Memorandum of Understanding, creating a platform for small, medium and micro enterprises (SMMEs) to access legal services.
From its inception, the help desk offered entrepreneurs not only individual legal consultations but also educational seminars covering essential topics such as forms of business entities, contracts, employment law, and tax. Over time, these efforts expanded to include tailored webinars, the need for which grew during the COVID-19 pandemic. The webinars/seminars presented on topics such as commercial lease agreements, procurement processes and key contract provisions.
In 2018, the Yakha Isizwe Help Desk hosted its first Entrepreneurial Fair, bringing together role players such as SARS, CIPC and other partners to connect directly with entrepreneurs. These collaborative efforts, paired with inspiring keynote addresses from business leaders, strengthened the support network for SMMEs.
Over the last 10 years, the Help Desk has continuously evolved, adapting its services to meet the changing needs of entrepreneurs. Most recently, commercial legal presentations were extended to paralegals throughout 21 legal advice offices across Gauteng, capacitating rural entrepreneurs and communities with the knowledge they need to sustain and grow their businesses.
The Yakha Isizwe Help Desk stands as a testament to the power of collaboration and the belief that access to legal services can transform communities. As we celebrate this milestone, we recognise the commitment of our partners, legal practitioners and entrepreneurs who have built a legacy of empowerment.
“This initiative reflects Fasken’s ongoing commitment to empowering entrepreneurs with essential legal knowledge. With high unemployment rates in the country the growth of small business remains pertinent in promoting economic growth” – Sushila Dhever, Partner and Pro Bono Head at Fasken’s Johannesburg office.
We look forward to the next decade of building a nation, one entrepreneur at a time.
