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 paying rent to the late owner's sister. Can she sell the house if the owner's child has been missing for 20 years?
You need to try to find the missing beneficiary, otherwise they can come back to claim the house.
Can a non-South African write Grade 12 exams?
Yes, as long as you have some kind of proof of identity.
My uncle is my late grandmother's only surviving child but he has his own house. Who gets her house?
Your uncle and your deceased father get equal shares. Your father's share is divided between his surviving children.
How can I kick my abusive ex out of our house?
Because the house is in both your names, one of you can buy the other's share or you can appoint a liquidator to split the house
My ex and I registered for an RDP house together. What will happen now that we have split up?
If you can agree on who should get the house, one of you can buy the other's share and become the full owner.
What should I do now that the five-year ban in my passport has expired?
You may need to update some details on your passport.
We bought municipal land but don't have a title deed. What can we do?
Title deeds are the only legal proof of ownership. Talk to the municipality from which the land was purchased.
Home Affairs won't issue a birth certificate for my daughter because she was born in Lesotho
The Constitutional Court ruled in July 2020 that children born in other countries with at least one South African parent are entitled to citizenship
Can SASSA terminate my wife's pension because I am a GEPF member?
All SASSA grants are means-tested. If your combined income is too high, SASSA will not pay her
Can I apply for an RDP house if I don't have an ID?
No. IDs are not being issued during the pandemic, so you may need legal help