Ask Athalie Banner

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.

How can my friend transfer his Permission to Occupy to my name?

A PTO cannot be transferred because it is not a title deed.

Read more

Can an employer withhold your salary and provident fund if you breach the contract?

An employer can only withhold your salary if they have a court order. They cannot withhold the provident fund.

Read more

Can the bank demand twice the monthly repayment of a loan on an over-insured house?

The in duplum rule limits all interest and other payments on debt to double the amount of the original debt.

Read more

Can my employer withhold my provident fund to pay outstanding debts without my permission?

No, the provident fund can only withhold your money if you owe the employer money or have been convicted in a civil/criminal case

Read more

Can I re-apply for a child's grant now that my husband has walked out on us?

Yes, if you still qualify. You can also open a maintenance claim against your husband.

Read more

My aunt wants to transfer my late grandmother's house to her child. How can we keep the house as a family house?

If your grandmother died without a will, her estate should be divided equally between her children.

Read more

The Labour Court still hasn't delivered judgment on my case that was heard six months ago. What can I do?

Lodge a complaint with the Office of the Chief Justice.

Read more

I changed my mind about selling my house and now I am being sued. What can I do?

Legally, the seller can cancel the sales agreement only if a cancellation clause was included in the sales agreement.

Read more

How can I renew my asylum seeker status online?

Email the refugee reception office where your last extension was made.

Read more

Can I get an RDP house even though my late grandfather received one?

Unless you inherited his house, it shouldn't disqualify you from owning your own RDP house.

Read more