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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.

What should I do if there is a warrant for my arrest?

Report to your nearest police station immediately.

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What can I do if I am being harassed on social media?

You can open a case of cyberbullying at your nearest police station.

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Can I apply for early retirement without penalties before I turn 55?

No, if you are 54 or younger, you do not meet the requirements.

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How can I evict tenants in my late mother's RDP house who refuse to leave?

Since you have a letter of authority, you can get a court order from the magistrate to start the eviction process.

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My father's Mineworkers Provident Fund only paid a portion of what he was supposed to receive. Why was he paid so little?

Take your father's Mineworkers Provident Fund Statement to SARS and ask them to investigate urgently.

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My minor child was taken for a DNA test without my consent. What are my rights as the child's mother?

The biological mother, as the legal guardian, must provide written consent for the DNA test.

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My late father registered our family home in my stepmother's name. What rights to the house do me and my siblings have?

If the title deed is in your stepmother's name, the house belongs to her.

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Where can I complain about poor conditions at a prison?

You can contact the Judicial Inspectorate of Correctional Services or the ICCV complaint office at the prison.

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My family acquired British citizenship. Is it possible to reinstate our South African citizenship and have dual citizenship?

There is no need for a formal application, your family's South African citizenship should be legally restored.

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Why was I penalised on my pension after taking up the early retirement offer from the DPSA in 2019?

The early retirement without penalties policy was only approved in 2024.

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