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 have been waiting for 10 months for a late registration of birth interview. How can I fast track this process and get my ID?

You can ask the Black Sash to assist you to speed up the LRB interview process if possible.

Home Affairs

I was denied spousal maintenance under Rule 43. I felt like the judge's decision was influenced and unjust. What can I do?

You should seek legal assistance from Legal Aid.

Law Sassa

How can I get a refund from a life policy that deducted money from my mother's SASSA grant that she says she did not consent to?

You may have to contact both SASSA and the insurer that has been deducting the money. The Black Sash could give you legal assistance

Older people Sassa

How can I get my SRD money out of my Postbank account?

You will have to contact Postbank directly.

Sassa Social Grants

How can I obtain my late wife's death certificate to apply for a disability grant if her family refuses to give me the original?

As the surviving spouse, you can apply for a copy of the death certificate from Home Affairs and have it certified.

Home Affairs Sassa

I have an old elephant tusk that has been in the family for years, but I no longer want it. What should I do?

You can contact the Department of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment.

Environment

What can I do if someone lied about the year they were born when applying for an ID and now wants to rectify it?

He would likely need legal assistance – supplying false information on an identity card could lead to a fine or even imprisonment.

Home Affairs

My late father's ex-wife is trying to claim from his estate; his will can't be executed without their divorce settlement. What do we do?

The executor of the will can contact the Registrar of the High Court where the divorce was finalised and ask for a copy.

Inheritance

Can the municipality evaluate my late father's RDP house?

The municipality can perform an evaluation on your father's RDP house.

Housing Inheritance

How can my friend’s child, born in the DRC while her asylum-seeker mother was away, be registered in South Africa?

Your friend should approach organisations such as Scalabrini, who help immigrants and refugees in South Africa.

Home Affairs Refugees