PAC2602
Assignment 1
Semester 1
2026
, PAC2602 ASSESSMENT 1
SEMESTER 1, 2026
UNIQUE NUMBER: 285356
QUESTION 1
1.1 The means test applied by Legal Aid South Africa and its criteria (4 marks)
Legal Aid South Africa applies the means test to assess whether a person qualifies for
legal assistance. The following criteria are evaluated:
1. Income – The applicant's income is the primary factor. If the income exceeds the
set threshold, the applicant will not qualify for legal aid.
2. Movable property – This includes cash and money-related assets held by the
applicant.
3. Immovable property – This refers to fixed property owned by the applicant.
4. Ability to cover legal costs – If the total value of the applicant's assets is
sufficient to cover the expected legal costs, legal aid will be refused even if the
applicant has little or no income.
1.2 How paralegals can promote digital inclusion given the digital divide between
rural and urban households (4 marks)
Paralegals can promote digital inclusion in the communities they serve in the following
ways:
1. Community education and workshops – Paralegals can run workshops to
teach community members basic digital literacy skills, such as how to access
government services, apply for grants, and use online legal resources.
2. Facilitating access to devices and connectivity – Paralegals can advocate on
behalf of communities for access to shared devices such as computers at
community centres, libraries, or clinics where internet access is available.
Assignment 1
Semester 1
2026
, PAC2602 ASSESSMENT 1
SEMESTER 1, 2026
UNIQUE NUMBER: 285356
QUESTION 1
1.1 The means test applied by Legal Aid South Africa and its criteria (4 marks)
Legal Aid South Africa applies the means test to assess whether a person qualifies for
legal assistance. The following criteria are evaluated:
1. Income – The applicant's income is the primary factor. If the income exceeds the
set threshold, the applicant will not qualify for legal aid.
2. Movable property – This includes cash and money-related assets held by the
applicant.
3. Immovable property – This refers to fixed property owned by the applicant.
4. Ability to cover legal costs – If the total value of the applicant's assets is
sufficient to cover the expected legal costs, legal aid will be refused even if the
applicant has little or no income.
1.2 How paralegals can promote digital inclusion given the digital divide between
rural and urban households (4 marks)
Paralegals can promote digital inclusion in the communities they serve in the following
ways:
1. Community education and workshops – Paralegals can run workshops to
teach community members basic digital literacy skills, such as how to access
government services, apply for grants, and use online legal resources.
2. Facilitating access to devices and connectivity – Paralegals can advocate on
behalf of communities for access to shared devices such as computers at
community centres, libraries, or clinics where internet access is available.
