Ask Athalie Banner

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].

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..

Read more

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.

Read more

Our CCMA case was withdrawn without our knowledge or consent.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.

Read more

How can I claim my provident fund from my former employer after being unable to reach the company headquarters?

You should reach out to the provident fund administrator. They may have knowledge of unclaimed benefits.

Read more

How can I apply for an official birth certificate and ID for my 18-year-old son after the document provided by his late grandmother was confirmed as fake by Home Affairs?

You will have to apply for a Late Registration of Birth for your son.

Read more

I have been waiting for 10 months for a late registration of birth interview. How can I fast track this process and get my ID?

You can ask the Black Sash to assist you to speed up the LRB interview process if possible.

Read more

I was denied spousal maintenance under Rule 43. I felt like the judge's decision was influenced and unjust. What can I do?

You should seek legal assistance from Legal Aid.

Read more

How can I get a refund from a life policy that deducted money from my mother's SASSA grant that she says she did not consent to?

You may have to contact both SASSA and the insurer that has been deducting the money. The Black Sash could give you legal assistance

Read more

How can I get my SRD money out of my Postbank account?

You will have to contact Postbank directly.

Read more

How can I obtain my late wife's death certificate to apply for a disability grant if her family refuses to give me the original?

As the surviving spouse, you can apply for a copy of the death certificate from Home Affairs and have it certified.

Read more