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.

Please note: GroundUp is just a news agency. We are not lawyers or financial advisors, and we have nothing to do with SASSA, Home Affairs, or any other government bodies. We do our best to make the answers accurate using publicly available information, but we cannot accept any legal liability if there are errors. If you notice any discrepancies, please email [email protected].

Are there any free rehabilitation centres in Cape Town that take in heroin users?

There are two free government in-patient rehab centres in Cape Town. Other clinics may also be able to help.

Health

What steps need to be taken if a court judgment has been reserved for more than three months?

Court Late judgments

I have been waiting almost three years for my permanent resident visa and I am desperate for help

You may need legal assistance

Home Affairs Immigration

If it is illegal to rent out an RDP house, why did the government not do anything when I was evicted during the lockdown?

They often fail to enforce their own laws. There are some things you can do about your eviction

Housing

How can I register for Grade 11 if I have been out of school for a long time?

If you are younger than 21, you would apply to a school by the last day of the first term, for the following year.

Education Home Affairs

Has Home Affairs said anything regarding the Angolan Special Permit due to expire at the end of 2021?

Unfortunately not. You may want to reach out to Scalabrini.

Home Affairs Immigration Refugees

How can my late sister's children claim their inheritance if her assets are frozen?

They can go to the Master of the High Court to ask for a letter giving the bank permission to release the funds.

Inheritance

How can we protect empty municipal land from illegal occupiers? The municipality won't sell to us.

You need to contact the municipality to ask why they wouldn't sell. Otherwise call the MEC for Housing.

Housing Land

I have been paying rent to the late owner's sister. Can she sell the house if the owner's child has been missing for 20 years?

You need to try to find the missing beneficiary, otherwise they can come back to claim the house.

Housing Inheritance

Can a non-South African write Grade 12 exams?

Yes, as long as you have some kind of proof of identity.

Education Human Rights Immigration