A humble office situated in Church Street in Somerset West, which has served marginalised community members for almost four decades has closed as chairperson Norah Juries stands on the brink of retirement.
Sometimes referred to as the “Advice Office” at the “Busy Corner”, the office also speaks of Juries’ involvement in the community and her unwavering desire to assist those who need it most.
Looking back, Juries says it has been an honour to be the “go to” person for any conflicts, disagreements, disputes and the fulfilment of rights.
“I moved to the Cape for political reasons in 1969 and found a job at Huis Pam Brink in Strand. At the time, I heard about the formation of a domestic workers’ association in other parts of the country and, with my political background, I started to organise this in the Helderberg.”
Juries met her husband and settled in Rusthof, soon becoming more involved with the plight of domestic and farm workers as well as disadvantaged and vulnerable groups.
“This is how I started the Strand Action Group, as a vehicle to fight apartheid in the 1980s,” she recalls.
Armed with support from international donors and linked to Lawyers for Human Rights, it was decided an office space would be crucial to implement assistance, which encourages openness and interaction with the community, in an easy way.
“We moved around a bit and eventually found this office in Church Street in 1989, which was being used as a youth office just once or twice a week. We kind of forced our way into this building, and the council finally approved our occupation with an agreed rental amount.”
Juries completed a paralegal course at UWC, and was supported by some lawyers from Stellenbosch, who also supported an advice office in that area.
She started as chairperson of the Strand Action Group and also headed up the advice office, which was soon inundated with requests for assistance, be it around evictions, labour matters or other issues that demanded legal intervention.
In all that time there were several attempts to have Juries removed from the office. She was sent eviction letters and threatened, but she ignored these as she kept her head up and served the community wholeheartedly.
It was only in 2004, when she needed an internet connection in the building, that the City of Cape Town requested her to sign a contract that was valid on a month-to-month basis, eventually until last year.
“With the construction of the Somerset West Public Transport Interchange, we were informed there was no space for the office anymore. I always dreamt that when this office closed, someone would rise up from the youth ranks and take over the work. I still have this dream.”
Juries is prepared to give up her remaining time to train a successor to take over the reins of serving the community.
Over the years she has helped hundreds, if not thousands, of individuals and families.
“Employers will be happy the office is closed, because I was a thorn in their sides; I never allowed people to be mistreated,” she chuckles.
Some of her biggest victories include ensuring houses were built for farmworkers in Macassar, informal traders allowed in Somerset West and the rights of domestic workers respected, stopping unlawful evictions, and bringing services of the South African Social Security Agency (Sassa) and Deparment of Home Affairs to the people, among other countless small victories.
“My favourite moments were the times we helped others and ensured their rights were not trampled on. We really became a force to be reckoned with, and achieved a lot for our people,” she relates. “Now that the office is closed, I know it will be difficult for people. Where will they go for help now?”
Juries plans to continue assisting those who approach her and, although she may not be able to assist the volumes of people she once did as a result of her age, she hopes to still to be of benefit to the community for as long as she lives.
“I’m restless; I can’t lie-in or sit back and relax the whole day. My energy is just there for the community,” she points out. “I’m still prepared to help people while I can, even if it’s not on a regular basis. I still feel as if I owe the community something – and I really want to recruit the youth to serve an advice office. Life is changing, barriers are changing and modern problems require modern solutions.
“It’s heartbreaking to retire, but an advice office is still needed. I’ve written to Cape Town mayor Geordin Hill-Lewis in the hopes that he will assist, but we’re still awaiting a reply.”
The self-funded soup kitchen she has been running for many years is in need of donations, she can no longer afford to operate it in her retirement.
Juries welcomes the community to contact her for advice and assistance, or donations on 082 222 5112.
