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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.

How do I claim the title deed for my RDP house?

it may be best to contact the Cape Town Deeds office, but because you have to visit the office in person, you may prefer to go to the Deeds Office in King Williamstown.

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I have been living and working on a farm for 20 years. The owner passed away. Can the new owners evict me?

The new owners cannot evict you without a court order. You are covered by the Extension of Security of Tenure Act of 1997.

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Is it legal to purchase a shack in an informal settlement which has services including electricity?

It is a complicated question but this may be a person's best chance to own a property.

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The property that about 50 of us live on has a new owner who is harassing us and trying to evict us. What can we do?

You can seek a court order which forces the owner to turn the electricity back on. He can't evict you without a court order.

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Our rent is ten days late and we are being evicted. What are our rights?

The Constitution states that no one can be evicted without a court order.

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Can Home Affairs refuse an application for a same-sex marriage?

No, Home Affairs may not refuse an application for a marriage certificate for a same sex marriage.

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A courier company has taken over two weeks to deliver a time-bound gift. What can I do?

One option is to lodge a complaint on hellopeter.com

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I have been the victim of abuse and had to run away, which meant I couldn't renew my asylum. Can I still renew it?

The Refugees Act says that if you have โ€œjust causeโ€ for not renewing your permit in time, you may not pay a fine or be imprisoned.

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Can I get a social relief of distress grant to hire a wheelchair for my mother?

You may be able to get a Social Relief of Distress Grant in the event of a crisis or disaster.

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I applied for an RDP house in Delft in 2005 and still haven't received one. What are my options?

Unfortunately, this is a common story in Cape Town, and there has been a lot of anger and protests about it recently.

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