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.
If SASSA approves my appeal of a social grant application, will they pay me the money for all the months since I applied?
Yes, SASSA will pay for the months you didn’t receive payment if your appeal succeeds.
My R350 SASSA grant was approved last year but I haven't received any payments. Please help!
You should notify SASSA. If the problem persists, you can contact Black Sash or a similar organisation.
Where can I get the full details of my employment history?
The UIF or Labour Department should be able to give your complete employment history.
Can I cancel my fraudulent South African ID now that I have a permit that allows me to live in the country?
No, I'm afraid it's not possible.
I am a foreign national and can't access ARVs. Please help me!
There are a few human rights organisations you can approach for help, like the UNHCR, the TAC, NACOSA, and others.
How can my siblings and I handle disagreements about the house we inherited from our parents?
Use a mediator or a Master of the High Court to help resolve the disagreements.
My employer deducts UIF but doesn’t pay it over, gives no payslips or contracts. What can I do?
It’s illegal for an employer to deduct UIF and not pay it over. Report this to the Labour department or the CCMA.
I am a recovering heroin addict. Where can I access Subutex replacement therapy to treat my addiction?
There are public and private rehab centres that can help you with opioid substitution therapy, but this can be expensive.
How can I escape debt owed to loan sharks when I can’t get a bank loan due to a poor credit record?
The best option is to apply for debt counselling through a registered NCR counsellor.