Ask Athalie Banner

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.

How do rent-to-buy properties work?

There are two lease contract options: lease option and lease purchase.

Read more

How can I get an RDP house I bought transferred to my name if the seller has disappeared?

Make a sworn, signed, certified affidavit at the police station about how and when you bought the house and from whom, including the name of the daughter you paid and how much you paid for it.

Read more

What can IĀ do about being declined for a disability grant even though I suffer from multiple ailments and am in constant pain?

You can ask SASSA to reconsider your application. You can also appeal to the Minister of Social Development.

Read more

Can I get Home Affairs to make my ID interview sooner if it's urgent?

Your best bet is probably to ask an organisation that frequently deals with Home Affairs to help you.

Read more

How can I get a death certificate for my parent so that I can apply for my ID?

You can apply for a replacement copy or a full death certificate at any Home Affairs office.

Read more

How can I get an ID for myĀ child when Home Affairs says they need his Malawian motherā€™s details too?

Only one parent's ID is required to apply for an ID, according to Home Affairs' website, so you may want to get legal help.

Read more

My late mother's husband is stopping me and my sister from claiming our inheritance. What can we do?

Go to the Master of the High Court where the letter of authority was issued and ask them to help you.

Read more

What should we do now that my son's Child Support Grant payment has stopped because the primary care giver died?

You should go to the SASSA office and explain the situation and why you are applying for the Child Support Grant.

Read more

How can I take custody of my 16-year-old sonĀ andĀ change hisĀ surname to mine?

Both of these issues can be resolved through mediation to reach an agreement or parenting plan, which can then be made an order of court.

Read more

Can refugees in South Africa apply for resettlement to another country?

Unfortunately not. UNHCR says that refugees are identified for Resettlement based on their protection needs.

Read more