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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.

My neighbour is involved in dog fighting. Is dog fighting legal, and what can I do if it isn't?

Dog fighting is illegal and punishable by imprisonment. You can report it to the SPCA, but be prepared to testify.

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My Zimbabwean special permit was rejected on a technicality. I have appealed but it is taking a very long time. How can I speed up the process?

Unfortunately the short answer is that there does not seem to be a way to compel Home Affairs to resolve matters urgently.

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I am an asylum seeker. Can I apply for permanent residence?

The Constitutional Court ruled in October 2018 that a blanket ban on asylum seekers applying for temporary or permanent residence visas was not justified.

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My father was a police officer who died on duty. Can I claim any money?

As a SAPS member, he should have been a member of the Government Employees Pension Fund, and his wife or partner and children would be entitled to benefits after his death.

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How do I apply for a house in the Conradie Better Living Model project?

You can apply online.

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Our bosses drive the best cars but pay us less than R20 per hour and don't contribute to UIF. What can we do?

You can join a union and insist on your rights under the law.

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I am being pursued and threatened for debt on my child's school fees that I cannot pay. What are my options?

You have a legal right to a statement of the amount owed and how it was calculated. It is also possible to ask for a discount on the collection fees and apparently this is often granted.

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How do I renew my asylum papers?

There is no short answer to this question

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I am in a wheelchair. How can I get an RDP house?

Disabled people are supposed to be given priority for RDP houses and the houses are also supposed to be adapted to their needs.

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We are behind on the rent and just got an eviction order. What can we do?

The landlord must follow the steps in the Prevention of Illegal Eviction Act.

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