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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 info@groundup.org.za.

Topic: Labour  |  Show questions and answers for all topics

My father's Mineworkers Provident Fund only paid a portion of what he was supposed to receive. Why was he paid so little?

Take your father's Mineworkers Provident Fund Statement to SARS and ask them to investigate urgently.

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Why was I penalised on my pension after taking up the early retirement offer from the DPSA in 2019?

The early retirement without penalties policy was only approved in 2024.

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Where can I get the full details of my employment history?

The UIF or Labour Department should be able to give your complete employment history.

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How can I check my UIF balance?

You can go to the UIF uFiling website.

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Our CCMA case was withdrawn without our knowledge or consent.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

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The company I work for has not paid us. Many of my colleagues are foreigners and some do not have IDs. Please help us.

You can take the matter to the CCMA or Labour Department. Unfortunately, getting payment will be more difficult for undocumented foreign nationals.

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My boyfriend was injured at work and someone else claimed on his behalf and he didn't get anything. Please help us!

Your boyfriend or his lawyer need to fill in a request form from the Compensation Commission to ask them to re-open his case.

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