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Answers to your questions

Have a question you would like answered? Email us and we may answer it. The questions here are based on ones from our readers, with identifying information removed.

Please note: GroundUp is just a news agency. We are not lawyers or financial advisors, and we have nothing to do with SASSA, Home Affairs, or any other government bodies. We do our best to make the answers accurate using publicly available information, but we cannot accept any legal liability if there are errors. If you notice any discrepancies, please email [email protected].

Can I cancel my fraudulent South African ID now that I have a permit that allows me to live in the country?

No, I'm afraid it's not possible.

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I am a foreign national and can't access ARVs. Please help me!

There are a few human rights organisations you can approach for help, like the UNHCR, the TAC, NACOSA, and others.

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How can my siblings and I handle disagreements about the house we inherited from our parents?

Use a mediator or a Master of the High Court to help resolve the disagreements.

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My employer deducts UIF but doesn’t pay it over, gives no payslips or contracts. What can I do?

It’s illegal for an employer to deduct UIF and not pay it over. Report this to the Labour department or the CCMA.

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I am a recovering heroin addict. Where can I access Subutex replacement therapy to treat my addiction?

There are public and private rehab centres that can help you with opioid substitution therapy, but this can be expensive.

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How can I escape debt owed to loan sharks when I can’t get a bank loan due to a poor credit record?

The best option is to apply for debt counselling through a registered NCR counsellor.

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How can a long-term foreign mine worker in South Africa apply for permanent residence after many years of annual work permit renewals?

You qualify for permanent residence in terms of section 26 (a) of the Immigration Act, you can apply at Home Affairs, though the process can be slow.

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My provident fund did not tax my payout and now I owe thousands to SARS that I cannot afford to pay. I had no idea and now I don't know what to do.

Go to the HR department of the mine and ask to speak to senior management about your issue. If they won't, you could take legal action.

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How can I get Home Affairs to send my biometrics to the Master of the High Court in order to release my inheritance from the Guardian's Fund?

You can write a letter to the Minister of Home Affairs and explain your situation.

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Our CCMA case was withdrawn without our knowledge or consent. Please help!

You should contact Legal Aid to get legal advice on how you should proceed.

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