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 ex-mineworkers from the Newcastle Platberg Platinum mine claim money from the Tshiamiso Trust?
No, but you can apply for compensation under ODMWA. You can also ask for help from the Q(h)ubeka Trust.
My father worked at a mine, he got sick at work and passed away in 2001. Is there any way we can claim compensation?
To get compensation, a former miner would have to have got either silicosis or TB through their work at qualifying mines between 12 March 1965 and 10 December 2019.
I’m a foreign national with a child out of wedlock with a South African. My name isn’t on the birth certificate, how can I add it and change the child’s surname to mine?
You can apply to change the child's surname and add your name on their birth certificate at Home Affairs, with the mother's consent.
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.
I failed Grade 9 in 1992 and I would like to continue with school and get my matric. What can I do?
You can register at an Adult Education and Training (AET) Centre to redo your Grade 9.
How can I make my sister, who is the executor, wind up our late mother's estate?
You may have to ask the Master's Office to intervene if the executor refuses to wind up the estate.
My late grandmother's council house was taken over by my sister, who has evicted me twice and likely doesn't pay rent. How can I get her out?
You can go to your local housing office with your grandmother's death certificate to find out whose name the tenancy is in and request to take it over.
How can I protect my personal information and documents to prevent my SASSA accounts from being hacked?
If your ID and child’s birth certificate are stolen, immediately report them to the police, SAFPS, Home Affairs, SASSA, and Postbank to block fraud, replace document
How can I get a judge to deliver a delayed judgment?
There isn't much you can do but but wait. In the meantime, you can submit a complaint to your provincial Court Manager.
What can I do if I feel by the LPC Regulator to withdraw a complaint?
You can approach the Ombud and ask him to investigate this request.