Guides

How to actually get it done in South Africa. Plain language, no jargon, no sign-up - what it costs, how long it takes, and exactly who to call.

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How to Pay or Dispute a Traffic Fine in South Africa

Got a traffic fine? You have 32 working days to pay at a 50% discount, make a representation, or elect to be tried. Here is exactly what to do - and how to avoid it becoming a warrant of arrest.

50% of the fine amount if paid within 32 working days. Full fine amount after that. Court fees apply if you elect to be tried.Paying online takes 10 minutes. In person takes 30-60 minutes.

How to Get a Police Clearance Certificate from SAPS

A SAPS police clearance certificate proves your criminal record status in South Africa. Here is how to apply online or in person, what it costs, and how long to expect to wait.

R150 per application for South African nationals.The application itself takes about an hour. Processing by SAPS typically takes 4-8 weeks, sometimes longer.

How to Apply for a Smart ID or Passport Without the Queue

Book your Smart ID or passport online through eHomeAffairs or a bank branch and skip the Home Affairs queue. The steps, the fees, what to bring, and how to actually find an open slot.

Smart ID R140 (free for your first ID and pensioners 60+); passport from R40015 min to book online; ~14 working days for the card; 15–30 min at your appointment

How to Renew Your Driver's Licence (and Survive the Card Backlog)

Renew your South African driver's licence the smart way - when to start, how to book online on NaTIS, what it costs, and how the temporary licence and the printing backlog really work.

Around R360 application + ~R140 card fee (varies by province; often cash only)Start 2–3 months early; card currently takes 8–9 weeks to print

How to Register a Business in South Africa (for R175)

Register your company through CIPC's BizPortal in a day for R175 - or stay a sole proprietor. What each option means, what it costs, and the extra steps for a spaza shop.

Pty Ltd via BizPortal from R175; sole proprietor is free (no CIPC needed)Company: 1–3 business days online. Sole proprietor: register with SARS only
Jobs & OpportunityView hub →

Your Pension Fund When You Leave a Job in South Africa

When you resign, are retrenched, or dismissed, you must decide what to do with your pension or provident fund. The two-pot system (from September 2024) changes the rules. Here is what you can access and how the tax works.

No fee to process a fund withdrawal or transfer. Tax applies to cash withdrawals.Fund transfers and payouts typically take 4-8 weeks after submitting your forms to your employer.

How to Claim UIF Maternity Benefits in South Africa

If you are employed and pregnant, UIF pays you while you are on maternity leave - between 38% and 60% of your salary for up to 17 weeks. Here is how to apply, what you need, and what to watch out for.

Free. There is no fee to apply.The application itself takes about an hour. First payment typically arrives 2-4 weeks after approval.

How to Find a Real Job in South Africa (Without Getting Scammed)

Where to actually look for work in South Africa for free - including the data-free SA Youth network - how to apply for government jobs, and how to spot the 'pay-a-fee' job scams that prey on jobseekers.

Free - finding and applying for jobs should never cost you moneyAbout 4 minutes to join SA Youth; then apply as opportunities come up

How to Write a CV That Actually Gets Read

A no-nonsense guide to writing a South African CV that gets past the screening software and onto a human's desk - what to include, what to leave out, and how to tailor it to each job.

Free - never pay someone to write a basic CV for youAbout an hour to build a solid CV you can reuse and tweak

NSFAS, Bursaries and Learnerships: How to Fund Your Future

How to pay for studying or earn while you learn in South Africa - who qualifies for NSFAS, what it covers, how the 'missing middle' loan works, and where to find free learnerships.

Free to apply - NSFAS funding is a bursary you don't repay if you passApplications open around September for the next academic year

How to Claim UIF When You Lose Your Job

A step-by-step guide to claiming UIF unemployment benefits in South Africa - who can claim, the UI-19 and other documents you need, how to apply online or at a Labour Centre, and how long it takes.

Free to claim - you've already paid in through your salaryApply within 6 months of losing your job; first payment ~2–6 weeks after approval
Safety & RightsView hub →

How to Claim from the Road Accident Fund (RAF)

If you were injured in a motor vehicle accident in South Africa, the Road Accident Fund covers your medical costs, lost income, and more - for free, without needing a lawyer. Here is how to claim.

Free if you claim directly. If you use an attorney, they charge a contingency fee on the final award - this is capped by law.Filing the claim takes a few hours. Settlement can take months to years depending on complexity.

Unfairly Dismissed? How to Take Your Case to the CCMA

If you were fired unfairly, you have 30 days to act. A plain-language guide to referring an unfair dismissal dispute to the CCMA in South Africa - for free, without a lawyer.

Free - the CCMA charges nothing and you don't need a lawyerYou must refer the dispute within 30 days of being dismissed

Facing Eviction? Know Your Rights as a Tenant

In South Africa, no landlord can throw you out, change the locks, or cut your water and electricity without a court order. A plain-language guide to your rights under the PIE Act and the free Rental Housing Tribunal.

Free to defend - Legal Aid and the Rental Housing Tribunal cost nothingA lawful eviction takes weeks of court process; you don't have to leave on a landlord's say-so

You've Been Scammed: What to Do in the First 24 Hours

Acted on a fake SMS, sent money to a scammer, or had your bank account or SIM hijacked? A calm, step-by-step plan for the first 24 hours - who to call first, how to protect your identity, and how to report it in South Africa.

Free - every step here, including protecting your identity, costs nothingAct immediately - the faster you call your bank, the better your chances

Your Consumer Rights: Faulty Goods, Refunds & Being Ripped Off

Sold a broken phone? Told 'no refunds'? In South Africa the Consumer Protection Act gives you a 6-month right to return defective goods - and a 'no returns' sign can't take it away. A plain-language guide to your rights and how to complain.

Free - knowing your rights and complaining to an ombud costs nothingYou have 6 months to return defective goods; complaints must be lodged within 3 years

How to Apply for Child Maintenance

Both parents must support their child, whether or not they were married or ever lived together. A plain-language guide to applying for maintenance at the Maintenance Court in South Africa - for free - and what to do when a parent won't pay.

Free - the Maintenance Court costs nothing and you don't need a lawyerYou can apply any time; an interim order can be made quite quickly

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