On the basis of a verbal agreement, R Simelane's wife paid monthly instalments to F Dlamini of Starlight Services, which undertook amongst other things to build them a house. Starlight Services did not fulfil the contracts and judgement was obtained. Dlamini was to repay the money paid to him in instalments. Later, he was murdered, making further payments impossible. There are no court documents on file, only drafts of particulars of claim, and correspondence.

The LRC represented many people who were induced through various misrepresentations by African Enterprises, a benefit company, into paying money into it, even though the company had no intention of honouring its promises, which included funeral cover, financial aid, financial advice, and other services. The company contravened numerous aspects of the Friendly Societies Act and Insurers Act, and the company was not registered in terms of these Acts. The LRC acted for clients who wanted to recover their premiums. The difficulty for the LRC was in tracing the director/s of the company. Judgement was obtained on behalf of various clients, but it was difficult to recover monies. Briefs from several clients are recorded in these files. All are essentially the same, as outlined above. They include material for the following clients: Thelejane, T vs African Enterprise (2818/1981), Nonyana, MP vs African Enterprise (2058/1981, Vakele, WS vs African Enterprise (no court papers).

The client joined African Enterprises, a benefit society that undertook to provide burial cover, insurance, loans and other services. A claim for benefits was rejected and the LRC wrote a letter of demand, but nothing came of it.

The LRC researched the activities of benefit societies, and published a booklet The Benefit Society Story: A memorandum on 'Aid Societies'. Recommendations and proposals were submitted to the Registrar, Financial Institutions about changes needed to the Law on Friendly Societies to protect consumers. While not a case as such, these files contain much that is of interest in terms of consumerism and the need for watchdog bodies. Many of the companies listed elsewhere in this collection are discussed e.g. Golden Aid, United Burial Company, Star Life.

This case involved AP Burger, DT Burger and P Lodder as directors and managers of Gulf SA Trading Pty Ltd which operated as a burial and benefit insurance company. It was twice declared insolvent but continued to operate and do business illegally. Several companies were operated by Burger and were not registered with the Registrar of Companies. Several people were defrauded and lost their savings. E Dubasi and B Hansi were represented by the LRC in an action against Gulf SA Trading.

The client belonged to Radilec Funeral Society. One of the benefits promised was free driving lessons. However, this undertaking was not honoured. A default judgement was obtained, and the client's money was repaid in instalments.

The LRC assisted the Happy Family Burial Fund submit an application for registration of the burial society with the Registrar of Financial Institutions. It was unsuccessful, as the Registrar stated that there were too many problems with these types of organisations. The LRC also helped draw up a constitution for the fund.

The client paid a R1000 deposit on a house which defendant promised to purchase for him, but did not. A summary judgement was obtained, followed by a warrant of execution against property. The payment was finally recovered in 1982.