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].
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.
Can I stop my father from selling land that he promised to me?
Unfortunately, there is no legal step you can take to stop him.
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.
My family home has become a drug house. How can I evict my relatives?
You need to follow the appropriate protocol to get an eviction order from the court, even though it may not be put into effect until the pandemic is over
Is it possible to adopt a 16-year-old asylum seeker from the DRC?
I could not find anything to indicate that it would not be possible
My husband kicked me and our children out of his mother's house that she gave to us. Can we fight it?
You will need help from your mother-in-law if the title deed is still in her name
How can we stop our mother from selling the house that we have 50% claim to?
I have been waiting almost three years for my permanent resident visa and I am desperate for help
You may need legal assistance
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.