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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 do I do if my deceased father sold his property but there was no title deed transfer?

If the buyer can prove that he paid the amount agreed between him and your late father then he can demand that the sellerโ€™s obligation, which is to deliver the property, is fulfilled,

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What do I do if the municipality refuses to comply with a court order against them?

The best way would be seek to seek legal advice about how to enforce the court order.

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How can I get an interview for a birth certificate at Home Affairs?

You can phone their hotline but you will probably have better luck if you get help from a non-government organisation.

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How can we trust that the Post Office will pay our Voluntary Severance Packages if they mismanaged our pensions and UIF?

You cannot claim UIF if you take a Voluntary Severance Package. You need legal advice.

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Can my employer refuse to help me register for a trade test?

If the firm has a payroll of over R500,000, then they must register with SETA and provide learnerships.

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Why was my SASSA grant declined then approved?

Your SASSA grant may have been delayed due to changes made by changes to the qualifying criteria.

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How can I adopt my minor relative's baby?

You should contact the Department of Social Development, but the baby needs a birth certificate first.

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What can I do if I am overdue on school fees debt but cannot afford to pay?

Find out the details of your debt and repayments: If you have paid more than double how much you initially owed, you are not liable for more payments.

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I accidentally applied for early retirement due to ill health instead of disability. What can I do?

Unfortunately, you can't take your application back once it's been approved. You should get details about your umbrella fund's retirement due to ill health benefits.

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What can I do if a UIF employee won't help me even if I have all the necessary documents?

You can contact the UIF Call Centre to ask that they help you. You can also lodge a complaint against the employee.

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