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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.

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.

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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.

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Why does SASSA consider outstanding debt or loans as income with regard to the means test when applying for the old age grant?

SASSA does not regard outstanding debt or loans as income but regards these as assets. The current old age grant monthly income thresholds is R8,110 for a single person and R16,220 if you are married.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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).

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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.

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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.

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