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 received a NSFAS loan in 2017 that was converted to a bursary in 2018. NSFAS wants me to pay the money back but I can't afford to. What should I do?

The loan repayments are contingent on your income and only begin when you are working and have an income of more than R30,000 annually. NSFAS also liaises with SARS to establish the income earned.

Tertiary Education

What can I do about the inordinate delay in processing my appeal application for permanent residence as well as a critical skills visa?

It seems that the reason for these delays is that there has been a massive backlog of visa, appeal and waiver applications since the Covid pandemic in 2020, exacerbated by the general dysfunction.

Immigration

Do I have any rights to fight for my grandmother's house, which her son, your uncle, has since sold?

If you were one of the dependents named in her RDP application, this would not give you the right to inherit the house.

Housing

What could have happened during the registration process of my uncle’s RDP because unknown people turned up two months ago, claiming that my uncle’s house belonged to their grandparents?

Your uncle could not have received a title deed for the house from the municipality when he was allocated the house, or this problem could not have arisen.

Housing

What is the process to arrange an appointment with Home Affairs to set up a premarital interview?

Home Affairs has introduced a new online Branch Appointment Booking System which they say is quick and easy. Or you will have to visit the nearest Home Affairs office.

Home Affairs

Why does SASSA consider outstanding debt or loans as income with regard to the means test when applying for the old age grant?

SASSA does not regard outstanding debt or loans as income but regards these as assets. The current old age grant monthly income thresholds is R8,110 for a single person and R16,220 if you are married.

Sassa

How do I apply for an ID now that I am 18 because my parents do not have permanent residence in South Africa?

The Department of Home Affairs says that undocumented foreign nationals born in South Africa are issued with a birth certificate free of charge. All children born in SA must be registered.

Home Affairs

What can employees do if the company they work for fails and they are retrenched without consultation?

Not engaging in a joint consensus-seeking process contravenes Section 189 of the Labour Relations Act. You can take the matter to the CCMA.

Labour

I am a ZEP holder who has applied for a general work permit. I am worried that I will not get a response on my application before my employment contract expires.

ZEP holders who have applied for waivers or other visas are allowed to stay and be employed in South Africa until they receive the outcome of their applications.

Labour Zimbabwe Permit

How should I set up a permanent contract for my elderly mother's caregiver?

Caregivers classify as domestic workers, for which there are a few templates available.

Labour