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 I compel my landlady to give my deposit back?

If there is no damage to the house and you are not behind in rent, you can lay a complaint at the provincial Rental Housing Tribunal.

Read more

How do you change the title deed of a property bought from the council?

Like with other properties, the title deed is transferred by a conveyancing attorney.

Read more

Can I take a second wife is the first was a civil marriage?

No, if you have a civil marriage, you are only allowed to have one marriage at a time.

Read more

Can Zimbabwean Exemption Permits be renewed yet?

Unfortunately, Home Affairs has not communicated what will happen when the ZEPs expire on 31 December 2021.

Read more

Can I change my surname without my parents' permission?

If you are older than 18, you don't need your parents' permission.

Read more

I am a minor. What can I do if my parent is being neglectful?

You can contact Childline South Africa. Social workers try to help parents look after their children better.

Read more

How will doing consulting work for the company that retrenched me affect my UIF claim?

It depends how many hours you worked and whether you classify as a true independent contractor.

Read more

My sister-in-law was awarded an RDP house but it is being occupied by someone claiming to have bought it. What can she do?

She needs to ask the municipality of the MEC of housing to intervene. Legal help may be needed.

Read more

How can I get my stepmother to include me as a beneficiary of my late father's estate?

You might automatically qualify as a dependant if you meet the requirements of the pension fund, regardless of your stepmother's preference.

Read more

Can I renew my asylum permit online?

Home Affairs online asylum renewal process has not yet started.

Read more