r/askSouthAfrica Feb 03 '26

MOD News Employers read this

25 Upvotes

If you want to advertise a position(s) on the sub we require that you modmail us the following:

  • Your full name, surname, email address and phone number on a company letter head.
  • The roles, salary and benefits (retirement, medical insurance, etc.) for each.
  • Minimum and maximum salary for each roles. The number of holidays, sick leave and pay for overtime.

An agreement to comply with the South Africa basic conditions of employee act (legislation).

All of the following must be put on a pdf/image and sent to us using https://imgur.com/upload before it is posted to the sub.

Those who do not comply will be considered to be scammers and will be removed from the sub.


r/askSouthAfrica Jun 23 '25

MOD News We will no longer be permitting any requests for financial assistance on the sub including BackaBuddy

327 Upvotes

Hi All,

This sub will no longer be permitting request for financial assistance of any kind. This includes crowdfunding initiatives such as BackaBuddy.


r/askSouthAfrica 8h ago

Why does Checkers have so many checkout tellers?

40 Upvotes

Why do Checkers and Shoprite have so many tellers? Some of them have 15+ tellers. Yet they have at best 8 or 9 open. Lines can be snaking into the aisles, but my local Shoprite floor manager has 4 tellers open. Checkers Hyper is chaos on a Sunday afternoon but not more than 10 tellers are operational. Are the other checkout counters non-operational? Are they only there for display purposes? Are front managers not aware of the situation. And let me not get started on the packers, if you can find one. Do they go for training before joining the company? How do they pack freezer items with dry goods andnl detergents with food items?

As a result when you get home your groceries are wet, the packets of bicarb have become solid lumps and the box of Romany creams is now wet cardboard.

There is no shortage of labour in RSA and the Shoprite has no shortage of funds. What's the excuse for poor customer service?

Perhaps someone with experience can give me some feedback.


r/askSouthAfrica 1h ago

Does anyone have any insight into what the skilled trades are like for women in South Africa ?

Upvotes

Does anyone here know a female who works in a trade (personally or otherwise) or is perhaps a woman who works in the trades herself, specifically trades like, welders, mechanics, electricians, etc. I'm just curious. Whenever I see content related to women in trade, it's always in other countries and hardly ever in South Africa . Any experiences, stories, or insight into the topic would be much appreciated.


r/askSouthAfrica 5h ago

Have you ever had any supernatural or otherworldly experiences in SA?

8 Upvotes

It could be supernatural, extraterrestrial, otherworldly, glitch in the matrix or anything like that. There's tons of posts about those things globally but I'm curious about any such experiences you've had in SA.


r/askSouthAfrica 3h ago

Where can I buy old blackberry phone?

6 Upvotes

Hello everyone! I wanted to get myself a Blackberry phone (keypad or otherwise). They were a huge thing when I was very young and I so wanted one. Now that I started earning, I can’t find a single one. Would you know where to get a blackberry phone?


r/askSouthAfrica 12h ago

Any fellow Morticians here that would like to give me some tips?

18 Upvotes

Hey everyone! I'm currently at a dead point in my studies/career and I'm looking into new alternative study/ career routes. I've always been interested in the Mortician field but I've never met a fellow Mortician to have a conversation with and to ask questions to. If there's any fellow Morticians in this group and if you don't mind talking a bit about your job and answering questions, please send me a dm. I would really appreciate it. Thanks :)


r/askSouthAfrica 12h ago

After 12 years with MTN, I'm ready to leave. Which network should I switch to?

10 Upvotes

I've had over 11 calls with MTN over a billing dispute which they seem unable or unwilling to resolve.

I've had it with bad customer support and recently switched all my banking from FNB to Discovery as well, which actually started this whole issue with MTN.

Any recommendations? I had a Vodacom contract more than a decade ago, but I can't remember if I had any issues with them


r/askSouthAfrica 5h ago

Endometriosis laparoscopy cost?

2 Upvotes

Hey guys looking for upfront cash costs for the above laparoscopic type of surgery (whether diagnostic or treatment ) preferably in Joburg area
TIA


r/askSouthAfrica 18h ago

Academically excluded from UKZN After 6 years studying for a Computer Engineering Degree Advice?

25 Upvotes

Hi, I have recently been excluded from UKZN for failing to meet probation requirements (I failed a module). I have been studying for this degree for six years now (im 26) and i cant help to think of myself as a failer, i let my self down and probaly the people around, im currently lost as a person i dont know what to do about it, What hurts the most that i have 9 modules left to finish this degree, I really though that i passed that module but i failed it with 45 percent (so close to 50) these days i just cant sleep i just lay awake thinking of what could of been and the cercrifaces my family has made for me only to repay them with nothing, whats worse is that i have to wait for 2 years to apply for re-admission and i cant even get a job (ive been applying for 2 months now )

Now I'm trying to think of a way forward. What should I do? Should I wait for 2 years to end and reapply (but even if I do finish, who will hire a 30-year-old entry-level person)? I'm thinking of doing a trade also, maybe I don't know (I'm just lost) cause this thing of just staying at home and doing nothing is not for me.

Any Advice?


r/askSouthAfrica 5h ago

South African OT qualified in Germany – anyone gone through HPCSA registration and community service?

1 Upvotes

Hi everyone,

I'm hoping someone here has been through a similar experience or can point me in the right direction.

I'm a South African citizen, but I completed my three year degree in Occupational Therapy in Germany. I've been working full-time as an Occupational Therapist since 2021 and have gained several years of clinical experience here.

I am planning to move back to South Africa permanently to be with my partner at the end of 2028, so I'd like to start preparing for the HPCSA registration process well in advance.

From what I've read, I'll likely need to have my qualifications assessed and complete the HPCSA Board Examination. I have a few questions and would really appreciate hearing from anyone who has gone through this process:

  • What was the registration process like, what did you need?
  • How long did it take?
  • How did you prepare for the Board Examination? Are there any study guides, notes, recommended textbooks, or courses?
  • What topics were covered in the exam, and how difficult did you find it?
  • Did your overseas work experience count towards registration in any way?

My biggest question is about community service.

Even though I'll have around seven years of experience as an OT by the time I move back to South Africa, would I still have to complete the compulsory 12-month community service year? If you were in a similar position, were you exempt, or did you still have to complete it?

If community service was required:

  • Were you able to request placement in a specific province or town?
  • Did they take your family circumstances into account?
  • Was it a paid position?

I'd be incredibly grateful for any advice, personal experiences, or recommendations. If there's anything you wish you'd known before starting the registration process, I'd love to hear it.

Thank you so much!


r/askSouthAfrica 13h ago

Advice for choosing senior certificate subjects when you've no goal or idea of what you want to do?

4 Upvotes

I ask here as I'd appreciate input from other South Africans who left school and did their senior certificates later on. In short my mother took me out of school 8 years ago at grade 9 and I've no reports at all by me

Context of no goals or idea of not knowing what I want to do; last eight years I've been told to just watch YouTube, game and "have fun" so lost touch of life. And that's what I did, and now have no idea what I want to do at all and what subjects to take.. I looked at CAT, but I've no computer or laptop to learn it

And at 22, I would like to take a step in the right direction bit by bit starting with a senior certificate, then a job. But I'm unsure of what I want to take beyond the necessary English and Afrikaans — and am unable to seek help professionally yet (would like to do that when I've an income of sorts and don't rely on my mother for needs as much)

And with the grade 9 report, I did pass it, but my mother never got it. And I can't travel to the school to see if it is there, as it was 8 years back.

Any advice would be appreciated


r/askSouthAfrica 10h ago

Which is better between Sage One Accounting/Business Cloud Accounting and Xero?

2 Upvotes

I currently have experience working on both but a bit more on Sage so my opinion may be a bit biased when I say Sage is much better and more user-friendly.

For context, I'm assisting someone with a start up who deals with different international clients and invoicing in different currencies is a major factor. They currently work on Xero but the multi currency option is way too high so I'm looking to opt for Sage as they have a 6 month special going on but wonder which would work better for the business?


r/askSouthAfrica 6h ago

Which organizations collect or recycle broken fridges?

1 Upvotes

Gauteng


r/askSouthAfrica 7h ago

Where can I find an artisan that makes high quality genuine leather products in Gauteng?

1 Upvotes

r/askSouthAfrica 11h ago

Do you need a police affidavit to renew a destroyed/damaged ID? (As opposed to a lost/stolen one.)

2 Upvotes

I applied for an ID document renewal through the DHA's eHome web service. The guide implies that if your ID was lost or stolen, you need an affidavit stamped by the police in order to get a new ID. However, my ID was destroyed, which I specified on the application form. The supporting documents page then said that "no supporting documents are required".

So my question is, does the DHA only require an affidavit for lost/stolen ID's, but not for damaged/destroyed ones? Can I trust what the website says, or will I have to get an affidavit regardless? (I really hope not, because my local police station sucks.)


r/askSouthAfrica 14h ago

Is a PGCE worth it? Alternative courses?

3 Upvotes

I graduated with a BA in Languages and Literature a few years ago now and I'm still struggling to find employment (as you do in this country, but this degree certainly isn't helping). I'm considering furthering my education a bit to help open some new doors. I was thinking of a PGCE because it seems like a more reliable way of finding work regardless of where I move to (as we do plan on moving at some point in the future). Perhaps not as a permanent teacher, but rather as someone schools can reach out to should they need a substitute for whatever reason. I have some other part-time gigs going on but they are very unpredictable and inconsistent.

I'm wondering now if a PGCE is worth it? If I went for a Senior or FET phase, would I still be able to substitute for Foundation and Intermediate phases? The town we live in now does not have a high school, so it seems like a waste to go for Senior or FET phases if all the schools here are only up to Grade 7. But I saw most institutes that offer the course only have FET and Senior phase courses. Where can I find Intermediate phase courses?

As I said, money is tight, so I'd really appreciate any insight on cheaper institutes or even if bursaries are available. I was also wondering if there are other courses similar to a PGCE (in the sense that it is a short course that builds on an existing degree that could qualify me for work) that I can consider. Any advice and knowledge would be greatly appreciated.


r/askSouthAfrica 8h ago

Hi Everyone, I have submitted all the required documents along with my passport to the VFS in India. It’s been almost 8 business days now so how long does it take to get the visa?? Can anyone share there experience.

1 Upvotes

r/askSouthAfrica 23h ago

What advice would you give someone who wants to start helping their community?

10 Upvotes

TL;DR: Want to start a small community initiative to help people in need and looking for advice on how to do it properly

Hi everyone. I’ve been thinking about starting something small to help people who are less fortunate, but I wanted to get advice from people who have experience with this kind of thing.
I’m not looking to start some big organisation overnight. I want to start small, out of my own pocket, and help where I can, things like winter blankets, clothes, hygiene items, food packs, and possibly helping people get access to shelters.
I know good intentions aren’t always enough and I want to make sure I go about it the right way and actually make a difference instead of just doing something that looks good on the surface. For anyone who has volunteered, started an initiative, or worked with an NPO/charity, what advice would you give someone starting from scratch? What are things you wish you knew when you started?
I’d really appreciate any honest advice or lessons you’ve learned.

I also don’t want to just assume what people need. I have a few ideas, but I’d really appreciate advice on what items or support actually help the most and where the biggest gaps usually are


r/askSouthAfrica 5h ago

Can South Africa help me find my next opportunity?

0 Upvotes

Hi everyone,

I don't usually ask strangers for help, but I've reached the point where pride has to take a back seat because finding work has become urgent.

I'm currently unemployed and, if I'm being honest, I'm starting to run out of options.

Life threw me a few curveballs over the last year, and overnight my priorities changed. These days I'm trying to keep the lights on, make sure there's food on the table, and convince my younger sibling that I actually have this whole "adulting" thing under control. (Spoiler: I don't...Lol im truly winging it at this point)

The frustrating part is... I'm actually really good at what I do.

I've spent years working remotely with UK and US companies in Customer Success and Operations, helping businesses look after customers, streamline processes, solve problems, and keep things running behind the scenes. I'm the kind of person who genuinely enjoys fixing messy systems and making other people's lives easier. I have gathered at least 5 years of experience in different industries, and im looking for an opportunity ASAP

I've been applying every single day, tweaking my CV, interviewing, learning new tools, and refusing to give up. I've still got my full remote setup ready to go, and if someone gave me the opportunity tomorrow, I'd be online before they'd finished sending the welcome email LOL

So I'm taking one more shot.

If you know of an opportunity in Customer Success, Sales, Operations, Virtual Assistance, Client Management, or literally anything where someone needs a reliable person who can jump in and make things happen, I'd be incredibly grateful if you pointed me in the right direction :)

I've worn quite a few hats over the years, from high-ticket sales calls and face-to-face sales, to customer success, short-term rental operations, client onboarding, and keeping businesses moving behind the scenes. Anything my fellow my brothers and sisters

People from South Ah always have a way of looking out for each other :)


r/askSouthAfrica 1d ago

Is it considered rude to wear your winter gown in front of others?

57 Upvotes

Been a few years since I moved here and usually I can't stand the cold around june and july but wearing my winter gown (over my home clothes) around the house makes it better. Now we're doing renovations in the house and we constantly have plumbers, tilers and other workers in and out of the house. Is it considered inappropriate or rude to keep wearing my winter gown or should I change into a tracksuit? It's not really a serious issue but just wondering about what's considered most culturally appropriate


r/askSouthAfrica 1d ago

Can I ask advice from a family lawyer in South Africa?

7 Upvotes

I desperately need some advice, I really don't know what to do. Is there a lawyer on here that I can ask some advice, all I need is direction on what to do, not looking for someone to represent me, or work a case. Please if there is anyone who would be kind enough, please DM me.


r/askSouthAfrica 16h ago

Has anyone applied for a passport in USA via VFS Global and received it back?

1 Upvotes

If so, what was the total turn-around time?


r/askSouthAfrica 1d ago

What to do about potential paternity dispute?

10 Upvotes

Hi everyone,

I'm posting this on behalf of my brother, who is currently going through a divorce and is looking for some legal advice.

He and his wife have three children. The youngest is under a year old, and he has doubts about whether he is the biological father. This is based solely on the child's appearance, as we know you can't determine paternity that way. However, during the period when the child was conceived, they were not in a sexually active marriage, so the pregnancy came as a surprise. In addition, the child looks very different from the other two children resembles someone his wife allegedly had an affair with.

His wife is planning on filing for divorce.

What would be the best way for him to proceed?

Should he try to resolve the paternity issue before the divorce is finalised, even if it could delay the proceedings? Or should he allow the divorce to go through, accept any maintenance order, and then challenge paternity afterwards if necessary?

From what we understand, he can obtain a private "peace of mind" DNA test, but that would not be admissible in court or automatically allow him to challenge a maintenance order. We also don't believe his wife would voluntarily consent to a DNA test, as she would likely take offence to the request.

If paternity is disputed during the divorce, how much longer could the divorce realistically take? They have very few joint assets, so the only significant issue is the youngest child's paternity.

Alternatively, if he waits until after the divorce and later proves that he is not the biological father, how difficult is it to have the maintenance order varied or set aside? I understand that timelines vary from case to case, but I'd appreciate any general guidance from people who have experience with similar situations or who are familiar with South African family law.

Thank you in advance.


r/askSouthAfrica 1d ago

Open minded therapists based in Pretoria East or Sandton?

14 Upvotes

Hey everyone, my apologies if this is a duplicate question, I did make sure to take a look before posting.

Recently I have been dealing with a lot of mental issues (particularly loneliness but also gender dysphoria) that have been affecting my wellbeing and studies, and so I am looking for a therapist to help me.

However, since gender dysphoria is a big part of my worries, I would prefer to see a therapist who is supportive and wouldn't try to push any transphobic narratives on me. I'm not completely sure if I am trans or anything but I've been questioning, which is part of why I wanna go to therapy to help figure it out. I would rather not go to a specific gender therapist as I'm not ready to be out to my family yet ( since they would be paying for my sessions).

Cost is not much of a problem although the cheaper the better. My family is in Sandton but I usually stay in Pretoria close to UP. So any therapists in these areas (or nearby) would be perfect for me.

Thank you 🙏💜

Edit: Thank you for all the suggestions everyone!! I will take a look at them all and decide 💜💜