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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.

I just found out I am not legally my late father's child. Can I inherit from his estate?

If you were legally adopted or if he named you an heir in his will, then yes. Otherwise no.

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How can I get a copy of my South Africanā€“born child's birth certificate? Neither parent is South African.

Everyone born in South Africa has the right to a birth certificate. You should be able to get a copy from Home Affairs.

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Can I apply for a work permit even if I am unemployed?

You could apply for a critical skills permit or a general work permit (if you get a job offer).

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Can my provident fund account be blocked if I didn't finish the last few days of my notice period?

No, the employer can sue you for breach of contract, but they cannot block your provident fund.

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Why was my asylum seeker permit blocked when I tried to renew it?

Unless Home Affairs gave you a letter rejecting your application on the basis of it being ā€œmanifestly unfoundedā€, ā€œunfoundedā€, or ā€˜ā€œabusive or fraudulent, this was likely a mistake.

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I failed to contribute to my employee's UIF. Am I liable to pay for 1% or 2% of her earnings in addition to penalties and interest?

Yes, you are liable for 2%. An employer who failed to register their worker is not allowed to deduct any outstanding amounts from their salary.

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What can I do if I earn too much for an RDP but not enough to qualify for a home loan?

You can apply for a FLISP grant as part of the government's ā€œHelp-Me-Buy-a-Homeā€ scheme

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How do I apply for my ex-spouse's provident fund?

If your divorce order specifically says that you are entitled to a share of the money, you can apply through the provident fund itself.

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Can I get a title deed if I only have proof of purchase, and can I build and rent out a house?

You have a land right in terms of IPILRA of 1996. Development depends on the zoning rules of your area.

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What can I do if my parents' RDP house was sold illegally?

Go to the municipality with all the documents proving the house belonged to your parents and ask them for help.

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