Ask Athalie Banner

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.

I have been paying rent to the late owner's sister. Can she sell the house if the owner's child has been missing for 20 years?

You need to try to find the missing beneficiary, otherwise they can come back to claim the house.

Read more

Can a non-South African write Grade 12 exams?

Yes, as long as you have some kind of proof of identity.

Read more

My uncle is my late grandmother's only surviving child but he has his own house. Who gets her house?

Your uncle and your deceased father get equal shares. Your father's share is divided between his surviving children.

Read more

How can I kick my abusive ex out of our house?

Because the house is in both your names, one of you can buy the other's share or you can appoint a liquidator to split the house

Read more

My ex and I registered for an RDP house together. What will happen now that we have split up?

If you can agree on who should get the house, one of you can buy the other's share and become the full owner.

Read more

What should I do now that the five-year ban in my passport has expired?

You may need to update some details on your passport.

Read more

We bought municipal land but don't have a title deed. What can we do?

Title deeds are the only legal proof of ownership. Talk to the municipality from which the land was purchased.

Read more

Home Affairs won't issue a birth certificate for my daughter because she was born in Lesotho

The Constitutional Court ruled in July 2020 that children born in other countries with at least one South African parent are entitled to citizenship

Read more

Can SASSA terminate my wife's pension because I am a GEPF member?

All SASSA grants are means-tested. If your combined income is too high, SASSA will not pay her

Read more

Can I apply for an RDP house if I don't have an ID?

No. IDs are not being issued during the pandemic, so you may need legal help

Read more