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.

How long does it take to finalise an application to buy municipal land and, once approved, must I pay the whole amount upfront?

It is a lengthy process to finalise the application to buy municipal land. Here is the process that has to be followed.

Housing

Can I sell the RDP house I inherited from my late husband?

Yes, you should be able to sell the house if you apply to the Master of the High Court to approve the sale of the house.

Can my half-brother’s GEPF share be given to me, since his whereabouts are unknown?

GEPF can't give you your half-brother's share. But you could contact them and explain the position you are in.

Inheritance

Can my cousin claim support from the Road Accident Fund (RAF) for her late father, who never received any compensation?

Firstly, she should find out what happened to her father's claim. Here are some organisations that could help.

Home Affairs is refusing to renew our daughter's passport, yet we are Permanent Residents. What can we do?

Housing

Someone fraudulently transferred a title deed to his name, instead of my mother's. What do I do?

The first thing you could do is go to the police.

Housing

How we apply for the ownership of my late father-in-law's house, which does not have a title deed?

You should obtain a Letter of Authority from the magistrate's court.

Housing

How can my late mother's clan name be put on a title deed, instead of my half-brother's father's clan name?

You will first need to settle the question of who will become owner of the house.

Are my sister and I eligible for a portion of our late mother's GEPF?

The best thing to do is to contact the GEPF directly.

Government

I have not received my Provident Fund payout after 10 months. What should I do?

Normally it should not take more than 4 to 8 weeks, if your tax affairs are in order.