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 parents abandoned me as a baby. Can my uncle who raised me help me submit something to Home Affairs so I can apply for an ID?
You could ask your uncle to make a sworn affidavit explaining the situation with your parents and that he raised you.
My child lives in another province with his father. Will I need to travel there in order to help him get his ID?
Home Affairs will probably accept just the father's ID, as long as they take a copy of your ID and letter of your permission.
How long will Home Affairs take to verify my partner's asylum paper so we can get married?
We recommend you contact the Refugee Social Services for assistance.
Can I legally claim ownership of an RDP house sold to me by someone who isn't the deceased owner's legal heir?
If the deceased father did not leave a will, the law of Intestate Succession applies. If the son was not named on the title deed, he is not authorised to sell the house.
My mother applied to the Tshiamo Trust after my dad died, but three years later she has just been told she can’t. Please help!
Your mother should probably lodge a request for a review of the Tshiamiso Trust decision.
I want to complete my education through ABET but don’t have formal schooling. Can I do it online?
If you haven't passed Grade 9, you first need to take the General Education Training Certificate exam before you can do adult matric through ABET.
How do I access my RAF money placed in an ABSA trust account when I was a child?
Get a copy of the Trust Deed. You will then need a lawyer to make a court application to access the funds.
I'm a refugee working 10 years with no benefits and constant discrimination. What are my rights?
As a refugee, you have the right to fair work conditions and equal access to benefits like the UIF, medical, and provident fund if others at your workplace receive them.
My father worked at Impala Mine and died in 2008. How do I check if he has any unclaimed money?
Search on the Financial Sector Conduct Authority database to find out whether there is unclaimed money due to your father.
What can I do as an immigrant with a chronic condition? I am being denied access to health care by Operation Dudula.
You should be able to report any harassment to police, but it might be advisable to first seek help from a local organisation.