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 can I apply for UIF death benefits if I was in a traditional marriage with no marriage certificate?

You will have to provide some proof of the marriage, like lobola letters of a letter from the chief.

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What should I do if my children's SASSA cards have been left with a moneylender?

You have to contact SASSA.

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What child support options are available to mothers who cannot supply supporting documents?

They will not qualify for government support, but there may be community programmes that could help.

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Can my UIF death benefits application be denied if I don't have an unabridged marriage certificate?

The UIF website does not specify what type of marriage certificate is needed, so it seems unlikely.

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If I settle on municipal land, can I negotiate with the municipality to buy it later?

No, it's illegal - the municipality would consider this as land invasion.

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Can my employer withhold my provident fund if I was dismissed on a safety-related charge?

No, only the provident fund can withhold an employee's provident fund for reasons stipulated in Section 37 of the Pensions Act.

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How can you get a government house if you earn more than R3,500 a month?

If you earn between R3,500 and R22,000, you qualify for "gap" housing, like the Finance Linked Individual Subsidy Programme.

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If you were not compensated for a workplace injury a few years ago, can you claim money if it is still affecting you?

The Compensation Commissioner will not pay for claims that are made more than 12 months after the accident.

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How can ordinary citizens hold our municipalities accountable for their actions (or lack thereof)?

There are processes in place for this, but it is usually more effective to organise as a community.

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Can disabled people get RDP houses?

Yes, the municipality is supposed to give preference to a disabled person applying for an RDP house.

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