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 an adult apply for South African citizenship through their informally adoptive father?

If her de facto father was assumed to be her biological father, the child would qualify for South African citizenship by descent

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I believe my grandmother was influenced to give her house away for free. What can I do about it?

You can take the matter to court but the onus of proof is on you.

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I applied for government housing. Why does my application status say "NHNR"?

"NHNR" stands for National Housing Needs Register. It probably means that you are registered but that there is no further news yet.

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Our farm was sold without our knowledge or the necessary paperwork. What can we do?

Your property can't legally be sold like this. You need legal help.

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Can the person who inherited 50% of a joint estate also inherit the surviving partner's 50% when they pass?

Yes, if no will is written, the inheritance will be distributed according to the Intestate Succession Act

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What can I do if my ex employer has refused to give me my UI-19 form for five years?

You can report them to the Department of Labour.

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What can I do if I can't get a SASSA grant because of my spouse's income but they don't look after me?

You can call a family meeting or approach an organisation that helps families having marital problems.

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Is my son's school being fair for notifying me of my child's disciplinary hearing four days ahead of time?

According to the Schools Act, a written notice of a disciplinary hearing must be given. Therefore, it seems that the written notice was not unfair.

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Can I apply for a SPLUMA certificate now in case I later decide to sell my property?

Unless your property constitutes a "new erf" or land development, you won't need a SPLUMA certificate.

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How can a permanent resident's child born under the amended citizenship laws become legalised?

The child will have to apply for temporary visas to be legal, and apply for citizenship when they are 18 if they have only lived in South Africa.

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