PAC2602
ASSIGNMENT 1 SEMESTER 1
2026
GUIDED ANSWERS, REFERENCES
AND EXPLANATIONS
UNIQUE NO: 285356
DUE DATE: 31 MARCH
2026
, QUESTION 1
1.1 What test does Legal Aid South Africa apply to assess whether a person qualifies
for legal assistance, and what criteria are evaluated in this test?
Legal Aid South Africa applies the means test to determine whether an individual qualifies
for legal assistance. This test evaluates both the financial and personal circumstances of
the applicant to assess eligibility for free or subsidised legal services (Legal Aid South
Africa, 2025). Factors considered include the applicant’s income, assets, and regular
expenses, as well as the number of dependents they support. In addition, the urgency and
nature of the legal matter are assessed to ensure that assistance is provided to those most
in need, particularly in cases that may involve fundamental rights or vulnerable persons.
The purpose of the means test is to balance accessibility to justice with the responsible
allocation of limited resources.
1.2 Given the digital divide between rural households and urban areas, how can
paralegals promote digital inclusion within the communities they serve?
Paralegals can play a critical role in addressing the digital divide in rural communities. They
can provide practical training and guidance to community members on how to access and
use online legal resources, including applications for legal aid, legal advice portals, and e-
filing systems (Mkhize, 2022). Paralegals may also facilitate community access to digital
technology by partnering with local schools, libraries, or community centres to establish
shared access points for computers and the internet. Furthermore, they can advocate for
affordable and reliable internet connectivity in rural areas and provide step-by-step support
to help users overcome barriers related to digital literacy. By doing so, paralegals empower
communities to access justice in a digital era while bridging systemic inequalities between
rural and urban populations.
1.3 Identify the two different types of budgets typically used when budgeting for a
Paralegal Advice Centre.
Two main types of budgets are typically employed in the planning of a Paralegal Advice
Centre: the operational budget and the project-specific budget. The operational budget
addresses the ongoing, day-to-day expenses necessary to maintain the Centre’s activities,
ASSIGNMENT 1 SEMESTER 1
2026
GUIDED ANSWERS, REFERENCES
AND EXPLANATIONS
UNIQUE NO: 285356
DUE DATE: 31 MARCH
2026
, QUESTION 1
1.1 What test does Legal Aid South Africa apply to assess whether a person qualifies
for legal assistance, and what criteria are evaluated in this test?
Legal Aid South Africa applies the means test to determine whether an individual qualifies
for legal assistance. This test evaluates both the financial and personal circumstances of
the applicant to assess eligibility for free or subsidised legal services (Legal Aid South
Africa, 2025). Factors considered include the applicant’s income, assets, and regular
expenses, as well as the number of dependents they support. In addition, the urgency and
nature of the legal matter are assessed to ensure that assistance is provided to those most
in need, particularly in cases that may involve fundamental rights or vulnerable persons.
The purpose of the means test is to balance accessibility to justice with the responsible
allocation of limited resources.
1.2 Given the digital divide between rural households and urban areas, how can
paralegals promote digital inclusion within the communities they serve?
Paralegals can play a critical role in addressing the digital divide in rural communities. They
can provide practical training and guidance to community members on how to access and
use online legal resources, including applications for legal aid, legal advice portals, and e-
filing systems (Mkhize, 2022). Paralegals may also facilitate community access to digital
technology by partnering with local schools, libraries, or community centres to establish
shared access points for computers and the internet. Furthermore, they can advocate for
affordable and reliable internet connectivity in rural areas and provide step-by-step support
to help users overcome barriers related to digital literacy. By doing so, paralegals empower
communities to access justice in a digital era while bridging systemic inequalities between
rural and urban populations.
1.3 Identify the two different types of budgets typically used when budgeting for a
Paralegal Advice Centre.
Two main types of budgets are typically employed in the planning of a Paralegal Advice
Centre: the operational budget and the project-specific budget. The operational budget
addresses the ongoing, day-to-day expenses necessary to maintain the Centre’s activities,
