November is a special month in South Africa - on the first Saturday, we celebrate National Children's Day. It's more than a symbolic occasion; it's a reminder that children are among the most vulnerable in society and need special protection.

Section 28 of our Constitution guarantees every child the right to a name, nationality, family care, education, nutrition, shelter, health care, and protection from abuse or neglect. Yet too many still fall through the cracks due to poverty, lack of awareness, or barriers in the system.

As the year ends, these challenges become more real for parents - from securing school placements and preventing bullying to managing family responsibilities and financial strain.

At Scorpion Legal Protection, we believe every child deserves protection, care, and opportunity. From school placements to bullying, school admissions to bursaries - we provide families with the legal support to enforce their children's rights and secure their futures.

 

With Scorpion, you're not just informed - you're protected.

In this issue of The Sting, we:

• Break down key children's rights under South African law.
• Tackle real challenges families face - from school placements to bullying and parental duties.
• Share how Scorpion supports children and youth through community projects and real-life success stories.
• Bring you the latest on Scorpi, our always-on digital assistant, making member service faster than ever.

Warm regards

A Name and a Nationality

Imagine holding your newborn in your arms, but when you try to register their birth, you're told: "You don't qualify." This is the harsh reality for many foreign national parents in South Africa. Without documentation, children can be shut out of school, healthcare, or even social grants.

The law says every child has the right to a name and nationality.

Scorpion helps members navigate Home Affairs processes, appeal unfair refusals, and ensure no child is left without an identity.

Education: The School Placement Struggle

For many parents, December isn't just about festive cheer - it's about sleepless nights worrying whether their child will have a school place in January. Too often, schools say they're "full" or delay admissions, leaving families in limbo.

The law is clear:

• Section 29(1)(a) of the Constitution guarantees every child the right to a basic education.
• The South African Schools Act (SASA) makes it illegal for a public school to unfairly refuse admission to a learner. Schools cannot turn a child away because of unpaid school fees, missing documents, or nationality.
• Provincial Education Departments are obliged to assist parents with placement where a school claims it has no space.

With Scorpion on your side, you don't have to fight this battle alone. We've helped parents lodge appeals, written to schools, and provided guidance to parents regarding the new online application process.

 

Protection from Bullying and Cyberbullying

A child comes home quiet, withdrawn. Eventually, you discover cruel WhatsApp messages or hear about mean comments in the classroom. Bullying doesn't stop at the school gate anymore - it follows children into their homes and onto their phones.

The law is clear:

• Section 28(1)(d) of the Constitution gives every child the right to be protected from maltreatment, neglect, abuse, or degradation.
• The South African Schools Act requires schools to provide a safe learning environment and enforce codes of conduct that address bullying.
• The Protection from Harassment Act and Cybercrimes Act can be used when bullying happens online, allowing parents to seek protection orders or criminal action if necessary.

Scorpion helps parents hold schools accountable, draft formal complaints, and guide families on reporting cyberbullying or seeking protection orders when necessary.

 

Parental Duties: When Do They End?

Your child turns 18. They're legally an adult - but does your duty to support them stop there? Not always. If they're studying full-time or not yet self-sufficient, you may still be legally responsible.

The law is clear:

• South African courts have held that the duty of support can extend beyond 18, especially if the child is dependent due to studying, disability, or unemployment.
• Parents may be taken to the Maintenance Court if they fail to provide support to a dependent child, even past majority age.

Scorpion helps both parents and children:
• Parents unsure about ongoing obligations.
• Young adults needing help to enforce continued support.

 

Basic Needs: Nutrition, Shelter and Services

The bills pile up, school fees are overdue, and you worry your child might be excluded from learning. For many families, this is reality - but it doesn't have to mean the end of a child's education.

The Schools Act provides for school fee exemptions so that no child is denied access to education because of money.

Scorpion helps members apply for exemptions and challenge schools that unlawfully refuse them. Because financial hardship should never rob a child of their right to learn.

 

Protecting children's rights isn't just about courtrooms - it's also about creating opportunities. That's why Scorpion invests in initiatives that uplift young people across South Africa including:

Because building stronger futures for children today means a stronger South Africa tomorrow.

Attention Aspiring Scholars!!

Is your child in Grade 12, excelling academically, and planning to study a law related qualification in 2026? They may qualify for one of our bursaries.

This year's bursary announcement ties directly to our theme: education is one of the most powerful rights a child has. By awarding bursaries, Scorpion helps ensure talented young people can pursue law and one day stand up for the rights of others.

Who can apply:

• You must be a paid-up, active Scorpion member.
• Membership must be active for 12 uninterrupted months at the award date.
• Your child must be accepted at a recognised tertiary institution.
• Open to the children of both legal policy and funeral plan members.

 

DOWNLOAD THE APPLICATION FORM

 

Closing date: 16 January 2026

 

Protecting rights also means strengthening communities. That's where our Community Connection department plays a vital role.

What We Do

We carefully review requests for sponsorships and donations, partner with credible NGOs, schools, and community groups, and make sure every contribution reaches the people who need it most. Transparency is key - every project is monitored to ensure real impact.

Recent Projects

 

Our new initiatives will focus on access to justice.

Message to South Africa's Children:
"Your rights are your shield. Scorpion is here to make sure they are never ignored."

 

Message to Parents and Guardians:
“You don’t have to face these challenges alone. Whether it’s bullying, or financial struggles, Scorpion is here to give you the legal backup you need to protect your children’s futures.”

 

Whatever challenge you're facing - from school placements to UIF claims, bullying, or parental responsibilities - you don't have to face it alone.

 

Our legal team is ready to guide you, step by step.

 

We appreciate that protecting your children is always a top priority, but it's just as important to take care of yourself.

Understanding exactly what your policy covers - and all the benefits it includes - can give you peace of mind and ensure that you're fully prepared for any situation. Being informed about your policy benefits means you can make confident decisions for both your family's security and your own wellbeing.

Some legal issues don't just affect your rights and finances - they can also cause deep emotional stress for you and your family. Cases such as:

 

These situations can be traumatic, and the stress often impacts the entire family.

 

That's why Scorpion members have access to social work and trauma support services through our partnership with FAMSA (Families South Africa). FAMSA's professional social workers provide counselling and support to help you cope emotionally while we handle the legal side of things.

How to access this service:

With Scorpion, you're not alone - we back you up legally, while trusted professionals help you and your family deal with the emotional impact.

 

Are you ready to share the benefits of Scorpion’s legal policies and funeral plans with your family, friends, or work colleagues? When you refer someone to Scorpion and they join and pay their first premium, you can earn yourself exciting rewards.

1. Refer a friend, colleague, or family member
2. They sign up and pay their first premium
3. You get rewarded!

 

FIND OUT MORE

 

In our previous newsletters, we introduced you to Scorpi, our always-on digital assistant. Since then, the feedback has been overwhelmingly positive - members tell us they love how quick and simple it is to use.

 

This is what one member had to say -

 

What does Scorpi do?

• Answers instantly: From policy queries to guidance on how to claim, or even questions about your membership, Scorpi gives you instant information.
• Guides you to the right place: If your query needs more detailed support, Scorpi will direct you to the correct department or channel.
• Saves you time: No more waiting in call queues - Scorpi is available day and night, whenever it suits you.

Why it's good for members

Life doesn't follow office hours. Problems pop up late at night, during weekends, or in the middle of the school run. Scorpi gives you quick access to answers and support 24/7, right from your phone or computer.

And here's the exciting part: Scorpi is being trained every day, which means its knowledge base is constantly growing. The more questions it receives, the smarter and more useful it becomes.

Don't worry - humans are still here

We know some members prefer to speak to a real person - and that option will always remain. Scorpi is not replacing our legal and support team, it's simply another way to make your journey quicker and smoother. If at any point you'd rather speak to a person, you can still connect with our legal counsellors and lawyers.

Fun fact: Did you know Scorpi can handle 500 conversations at the same time? That means while one member is asking about school fee exemptions, another about UIF claims, and another about premium payments — all can be helped instantly, without anyone having to wait.

Try asking Scorpi about any legal issue or membership query — from labour disputes to policy benefits — and see how quickly it points you in the right direction.

 

Did you know that your Scorpion membership MAY qualify for certain tax benefits depending on your personal circumstances and income? While it's not guaranteed, it's always worth checking - you might be entitled to claim a deduction or even get a small refund.

Why this matters
With the cost of living rising - from school fees and groceries to transport and uniforms - every rand counts. If you qualify for a deduction or rebate, it could give you extra breathing room to support your family.

 

But even if you don't get any money back, filing your tax return is still essential.

Not submitting your income tax return can lead to penalties or compliance issues with SARS, even if you earn below the threshold or believe you don't owe tax. Filing your tax return on time protects you and keeps your record clean.

 

 

Need help? Scorpion’s tax practitioners can guide you through the process, explain what you can and can’t claim, and help make sure your tax return is filed correctly.

 

Read more about tax and financial topics on our website under News & Updates.

Life changes - you move, change jobs, or get a new cell number or bank account. But if we don't have your current details, we can't reach you when it matters most - and this can have serious consequences for your cover.

Why this is so important:

• If your mobile number or email address isn't updated, you could miss SMS or email alerts about claims, policy updates, renewals, branch notices, services we offer, burning legal topics, and changes to your membership.
• Incorrect banking details can result in failed premium payments, putting your membership at risk and leaving you without cover when you need it most.

 

 

We're always working to improve service. That sometimes means moving branches to more accessible, and sometimes safer locations.

Here are some of the newest and upcoming changes:

BRANCH	WHAT	WHERE
Mitchells Plain express branch	Closed on 31 May 2025	Closed
Bellville full-service branch	Relocated to new premises on 21 June 2025	New address: Office 103, First Floor, Van der Stel Building, 68 Durban Road, Bellville
Mahikeng express branch	Relocated to new premises on 1 December 2025	Physical address: Office No 2, Shasons Centre, Shippard Street, Mahikeng Attorney name: Molefakgotla Attorneys Inc Tel: 0861 333 333
Burgersfort express branch	Relocated to new premises on 1 October 2025	New address: 54 Marone Street, Burgersfort
Rustenburg full-service branch	Converts to an express branch on 1 November 2025	Attorney name: Marema F Attorneys Physical address: Shop no. 3, 33 Steen Street, Rustenburg
Polokwane full-service branch	Relocated to new premises on 15 November 2025	1st Floor to 4th Floor of the same building (Thabakgolo Building, formerly Nedbank Building, 58 Landros Mare Street, Polokwane).