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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.

Can I withdraw my entire pension from my preservation fund if I have not yet retired?

Yes, you can make a full or partial withdrawal before retirement, but you can only do so once.

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Why have I still not heard back from Home Affairs regarding my appeal for my rejected letter of good cause?

There is a huge backlog at Home Affairs, so the acting Director-General extended existing permits for those who applied or appealed before 20 November 2023.

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Can people living on a shared property apply for indigent support?

Different municipalities have their own policies. Check with yours and if you can apply, discuss installing a pre-paid meter with your landlord.

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Can I be denied a disability grant because I have orthopaedic or prosthetic device?

If your disability has been improved or corrected with assistive technology, you may no longer qualify for the grant.

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Can I get shared custody of my son if I was not named as the father on his birth certificate?

Yes, but only with the mother's permission can an application be made to the High Court.

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Can I apply for my newborn's birth certificate if I am still waiting for Home Affairs to verify my fingerprints?

Probably not. You can ask Home Affairs if they can expedite your fingerprint verification.

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How can I report B-BBEE fronting?

You should lay a complaint with the B-BBEE Commission.

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How can I report a shop that took my money but never delivered my purchase?

You can lodge a complaint at a Consumer Protection office under Section 41 of the Consumer Protection Act.

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In the eyes of the law, are customary marriages equal to civil marriages?

Yes, they are, according to the Recognition of Customary Marriages Act of 1998.

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How can farmworkers access their provident fund?

Contact the Agricultural Sector Provident Fund (ASPF)

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