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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.

My uncle took everything when my dad died because my parents were in a customary marriage. Is that right?

It was until 2004 when the laws changed to allow women in customary marriages to inherit.

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Is it possible for Zimbabwean asylum seekers to apply for South African IDs during lockdown?

No, only South Africans can apply for SA identity documents. Here is how to renew your asylum permit online.

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I am unemployed and cannot afford to pay school fees. What can I do?

If you qualify, the school must exempt you from paying fees. If not, they need to inform you in writing.

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What can I do about my landlord trying to force us to move out?

It is illegal for your landlord to turn off the electricity and lock you out.

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How can we stop our brother from selling our late father's house?

The property can only be sold with the written permission of all the heirs or if there isn’t enough cash in the estate to pay all the debts

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Does my late brother's child have a claim to our late mother's RDP house?

Yes, the Intestate Succession Act applies because your mother did not leave a will

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Can asylum seekers study without a study visa?

Section 22 documents give the holder the right to work and study in South Africa.

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Does SASSA go against the Constitution by considering all marriages as in community of property for grant applications?

Probably not.

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Are long-term farm dwellers allowed to keep livestock?

You are legally allowed to live on the farm but whether you can have livestock is up to the owner. You can contact the Association for Rural Advancement.

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Can SASSA give me a one-off advance or loan on an existing grant?

You may want to apply for the SRD grant and try to get maintenance from your children's father.

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