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.

My Zimbabwean special permit was rejected on a technicality. I have appealed but it is taking a very long time. How can I speed up the process?

Unfortunately the short answer is that there does not seem to be a way to compel Home Affairs to resolve matters urgently.

Read more

I am an asylum seeker. Can I apply for permanent residence?

The Constitutional Court ruled in October 2018 that a blanket ban on asylum seekers applying for temporary or permanent residence visas was not justified.

Read more

My father was a police officer who died on duty. Can I claim any money?

As a SAPS member, he should have been a member of the Government Employees Pension Fund, and his wife or partner and children would be entitled to benefits after his death.

Read more

How do I apply for a house in the Conradie Better Living Model project?

You can apply online.

Read more

Our bosses drive the best cars but pay us less than R20 per hour and don't contribute to UIF. What can we do?

You can join a union and insist on your rights under the law.

Read more

I am being pursued and threatened for debt on my child's school fees that I cannot pay. What are my options?

You have a legal right to a statement of the amount owed and how it was calculated. It is also possible to ask for a discount on the collection fees and apparently this is often granted.

Read more

How do I renew my asylum papers?

There is no short answer to this question

Read more

I am in a wheelchair. How can I get an RDP house?

Disabled people are supposed to be given priority for RDP houses and the houses are also supposed to be adapted to their needs.

Read more

We are behind on the rent and just got an eviction order. What can we do?

The landlord must follow the steps in the Prevention of Illegal Eviction Act.

Read more

How do I go about claiming my provident fund from work?

Most provident funds say you must remain a member of the fund as long as you are employed by the employer participating in the fund.

Read more