Cape Town - After three decades of service as a lawyer to the residents of Helderberg, Nora Juries is bowing out of office after an eviction notice left her with no choice but to close her doors to the public.
Acting as a beacon of light in the community, Juries ran a paralegal advice office which helped many members of the community who couldn’t afford legal advice. Issues such as underpaid domestic workers, trespass matters, and service delivery issues were addressed at her office.
However, with her doors now closed, Juries feels that authorities should have provided an alternative office, given the role it played during apartheid and today.
"The Helderberg Advice Office was established in 1983 as a legal protection representative for the community. It played a vital role in political activities, helped with service delivery marches, and aided a lot of people in the community who couldn’t afford legal advice.
“Since 1983, we have been in this building, and one of the biggest accomplishments was (helping) people who used to live in the squatter camp homes. During that time, I was part of the Lawyers for Human Rights and fought different fights for mostly domestic workers and underprivileged people in my community.
“There have been good times, bad times, tears, and laughter, but I enjoyed doing all these things for my community,” said Juries.
While Juries graciously accepted the closure of her doors, she stated that eviction talks had begun as early as 1989.
"In 1989, we were evicted, because the white tenant in the building had problems with many visitors. I only appeared in court once after I was threatened numerous times. We had petitions that were ignored, and even a memorandum was taken to Cape Town to try and fight this.
“Upon my arrival in court, I was informed by the judge that she was not going to listen to my story and would only give me a limited amount of time to vacate the building, as we were the only hold-up in the continuation of a project that the City intended to commence with.
“Our hearts are heavy as we fought and sacrificed sleepless nights, endured beatings during the apartheid government to stay in this building, and today, we have been pushed aside despite the role we had to play in this oppressed township.
“Our role will be demolished along with the building, and the next generation will not know the historical role this building played in fighting for our people and their rights,” she said.
Councillor Judy-Ann Stevens said the closure of the office would put the community at a disadvantage, as community members cannot afford legal services or even join unions to assist them with their cases.
“For some of the community members, this office is like a beacon of hope. When they have no one to turn to, they go to Aunty Nora. She assists them with the utmost respect and dignity. She is also arranging soup kitchens to feed those who are hungry from time to time in the office.
“Currently, quite a few domestic workers make use of the services of this office. As you know, domestic workers are mostly underpaid and do not have a voice. This office is their voice and assists them with the challenges they face.
“Aunty Nora was also vital in the negotiations with the informal traders and the taxi associations regarding the new PTI development within the CBD of Somerset West. She also negotiated with the workers of the said project not to go on strike, because this would have put the project on hold.
“This just shows you the skills of Aunty Nora, as well as the relationship the community members have with that office. I am worried about who will assist our most vulnerable people now with their cases, especially labour-related ones, because they cannot afford legal services or even join unions to assist them with their cases. This office was their helpline. Where will they go now for assistance?” she asked.
Juries is optimistic about the future and said that she wouldn’t stop serving the community no matter what.
“During my time, I’ve learned to be self-sufficient, stand my ground, and be outspoken. When need be, I am a strong, protective woman and would not allow people to be targeted or discriminated against. I’ve been a widow for 34 years and have always told my children not to allow anyone to belittle or talk down to them for any reason.
“I will most likely need to continue my office work at my house and also continue with my soup kitchen that I have had for the past few years. I hope the City of Cape Town will give us office space at a later stage or even just assist us with the soup kitchen and other projects we are busy with, like the community garden, sewing classes etc.
“Our services will be needed by the community daily as we used to assist them with CCMA cases and assist them with completing forms in order to get access to CCMA. So for me, the journey doesn’t end here,” said Juries.
Weekend Argus