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].
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.
Can I renew my asylum permit online?
Home Affairs online asylum renewal process has not yet started.
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.
How can I transfer the property that my mother bought in 1993 to my name if it was never transferred to her?
You need to negotiate a new deal with the municipality that issued the Deed of Sale.
Am I responsible for outstanding municipal bills of my newly purchased property?
The seller should have paid the bills before the sale. You should contact the municipality.
How can we apply for an ID for our foster child that has a mental disability? Home Affairs and Social Services refuse to help.
You may need legal intervention to compel Social Services to issue the required documentation for Home Affairs.
My sister and I inherited our late mother's RDP. Can I transfer the house to only my name?
You and your sister have an equal right to the house, so you would have to come to some agreement.
Can I submit a letter of authority instead of a permission-to-occupy certificate to withdraw my housing allowance?
It wouldn’t be permissible to send the LOA instead of the PTO, as they are very different documents
What is the asylum application procedure?
You need to apply at the nearest Refugee Reception Office, but all the offices are closed during lockdown.
How can we revoke our tenant's letter of authority that he got without our knowledge?
You could get a copy of his letter of authority from the Master's office but you will probably need legal help to sort this all out.