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].

What can I do about the inordinate delay in processing my appeal application for permanent residence as well as a critical skills visa?

It seems that the reason for these delays is that there has been a massive backlog of visa, appeal and waiver applications since the Covid pandemic in 2020, exacerbated by the general dysfunction.

Immigration

What could have happened during the registration process of my uncle’s RDP because unknown people turned up two months ago, claiming that my uncle’s house belonged to their grandparents?

Your uncle could not have received a title deed for the house from the municipality when he was allocated the house, or this problem could not have arisen.

Housing

What is the process to arrange an appointment with Home Affairs to set up a premarital interview?

Home Affairs has introduced a new online Branch Appointment Booking System which they say is quick and easy. Or you will have to visit the nearest Home Affairs office.

Home Affairs

How do I apply for an ID now that I am 18 because my parents do not have permanent residence in South Africa?

The Department of Home Affairs says that undocumented foreign nationals born in South Africa are issued with a birth certificate free of charge. All children born in SA must be registered.

Home Affairs

What can employees do if the company they work for fails and they are retrenched without consultation?

Not engaging in a joint consensus-seeking process contravenes Section 189 of the Labour Relations Act. You can take the matter to the CCMA.

Labour

I am a ZEP holder who has applied for a general work permit. I am worried that I will not get a response on my application before my employment contract expires.

ZEP holders who have applied for waivers or other visas are allowed to stay and be employed in South Africa until they receive the outcome of their applications.

Labour Zimbabwe Permit

How should I set up a permanent contract for my elderly mother's caregiver?

Caregivers classify as domestic workers, for which there are a few templates available.

Labour

I was sitting in the back of a taxi when it was hit by another vehicle from behind a year ago. I recently discovered that my back pain is due to nerve damage. Can I submit a third party claim?

Yes, you should certainly be able to apply for compensation from the Road Accident Fund (RAF).

Road Accident Fund

I'm married in community of property and my husband owns an RDP house. Would his children and dependants from his late ex-wife benefit from our estate?

If your husband’s late wife died intestate, (in other words, did not leave a will) your husband would be entitled to his 50% from the COP, and her 50% would be divided between her children over 18.

Wills and estates

How can I check how much money I have in my savings pot?

There should be at least 10% of what you had saved in your old vested pot. You should contact your fund administrator for an exact figure.

Finance