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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 info@groundup.org.za.

I was raised by my South African father without an ID or birth certificate due to my mother being undocumented. What can I do?

Even without all the documents, you have the right to apply for Late Registration of Birth. If Home Affairs refuses or delays, you can seek legal help.

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How can I challenge or nullify an affidavit which was signed under false pretences?

Make a sworn affidavit stating all the facts, take a copy of your nephew's affidavit to a lawyer for legal help.

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Are there recent updates on Groote Schuur Hospital’s request to reclassify Sexual Reassignment Surgery?

Groote Schuur’s request to reclassify Sexual Reassignment Surgery as a quaternary service was approved in 2019, but national funding and implementation are yet to follow. There’s a long waitlist.

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My son was involved in a road accident, but the RAF says it will only cover the hospital bills, what should I do?

You can claim RAF general damages if a doctor confirms your son’s head injury caused serious long-term mental or behavioural issues.

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How can we help a child get a birth certificate if the mother refuses to assist and he needs to attend a special school?

You could ask if the social workers are able to apply for a birth certificate for the child if the mother is unable or unwilling to do it.

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I’m the fideicommissary heir but my sister won’t give me the keys to our home after our mom, the surviving spouse, died. What can I do?

If the will names you as the fideicommissary heir, you may have a legal right to the property. Consult the Master’s Office for help.

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I was abandoned by my parents, and don't have an ID or proof of birth documents. How can I apply for an ID on my own?

If your birth was registered, you can get a copy of your birth certificate from Home Affairs. If not, you will need to apply through the Late Registration of Birth process.

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We are struggling to pay school fees. The school has just handed us over to the sheriff's department. What can we do?

If you can't afford school fees, you should apply for a fee exemption or negotiate a payment plan before legal action is taken.

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Home Affairs “lost” my spouse’s permanent residency application, now he is facing deportation. What can we do?

If an application for permanent residency is wrongfully rejected, you can apply to the Director-General of Home Affairs to review the decision.

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I was retrenched in November 2024. I was told my next UIF payout will be the last, but I should have enough credits for eight months.

UIF payments are based on your last four years of work, if they're ending early despite having credit, follow up with UIF for clarity.

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