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 Home Affairs refuse an application for a same-sex marriage?
No, Home Affairs may not refuse an application for a marriage certificate for a same sex marriage.
A courier company has taken over two weeks to deliver a time-bound gift. What can I do?
One option is to lodge a complaint on hellopeter.com
I have been the victim of abuse and had to run away, which meant I couldn't renew my asylum. Can I still renew it?
The Refugees Act says that if you have “just cause” for not renewing your permit in time, you may not pay a fine or be imprisoned.
Can I get a social relief of distress grant to hire a wheelchair for my mother?
You may be able to get a Social Relief of Distress Grant in the event of a crisis or disaster.
I applied for an RDP house in Delft in 2005 and still haven't received one. What are my options?
Unfortunately, this is a common story in Cape Town, and there has been a lot of anger and protests about it recently.
I'm an asylum seeker married to a South African. Can I apply for a spousal visa?
Yes, you can apply for a spousal visa.
I have been served with papers banning me from the country. I have 30 days to respond. Where do I submit an appeal?
The answers to your questions are far from clear and we recommend contacting an organisation like Lawyers for Human Rights
How can I go about buying the house I'm living in?
It is worth having a credit check done. You may still qualify for a bank loan even with a bad credit record.
I am a recipient of an RDP house. Where can I find my title deed?
The Deeds Office is responsible for registration and management of title deeds.
My refugee documents have expired and I've been given 14 days to leave the country. What can I do?
Here's where you can go for legal advice