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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.

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].

What can employees do if the company they work for fails and they are retrenched without consultation?

Not engaging in a joint consensus-seeking process contravenes Section 189 of the Labour Relations Act. You can take the matter to the CCMA.

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I am a ZEP holder who has applied for a general work permit. I am worried that I will not get a response on my application before my employment contract expires.

ZEP holders who have applied for waivers or other visas are allowed to stay and be employed in South Africa until they receive the outcome of their applications.

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How should I set up a permanent contract for my elderly mother's caregiver?

Caregivers classify as domestic workers, for which there are a few templates available.

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I was sitting in the back of a taxi when it was hit by another vehicle from behind a year ago. I recently discovered that my back pain is due to nerve damage. Can I submit a third party claim?

Yes, you should certainly be able to apply for compensation from the Road Accident Fund (RAF).

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I'm married in community of property and my husband owns an RDP house. Would his children and dependants from his late ex-wife benefit from our estate?

If your husbandโ€™s late wife died intestate, (in other words, did not leave a will) your husband would be entitled to his 50% from the COP, and her 50% would be divided between her children over 18.

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How can I check how much money I have in my savings pot?

There should be at least 10% of what you had saved in your old vested pot. You should contact your fund administrator for an exact figure.

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As a backyarder on council property, how can I access the prepaid electricity meter inside the main house, which is now empty?

You may need to go directly to the municipality and ask them to urgently assist you to get access to the house.

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Why does my son need to write a letter explaining why he wrote matric without a study permit?

Foreign students must have study visas to pursue their education in South Africa. If he did not have such a document, proof of an application to Home Affairs or a police affidavit may suffice.

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Will the Zimbabwe Exemption Permit (ZEP) extensions be renewed in November 2024 or November 2025?

ZEPs are valid until 29 November 2024, to give ZEP holders time to apply for a new ZEP that would expire on 29 November 2025, or an alternative visa.

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How do the three-pot and two-pot systems work? How do I withdraw from my savings pot?

10% of your old vested pot will be transferred to your new savings pot. The remaining 90% will be divided between your savings pot and your retirement pot.

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