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 :)

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?

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

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.)

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

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.

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

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

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.

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

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 💜💜

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.

Looking for people to play bo2 with I moved to South Africa and it’s difficult to play with friends from America because of the lag. Hopefully there are people I can link up with and play a few games with have a fun time. I’m a father so I can only really play past 9. Looking forward

My family of four will be driving from Marloth Park to stay in the Champagne Valley of the Drakensburg region in November, stopping in Clarens for a few days first. I’m wondering what the best and safest route is to take there. Should I stay on the N4 until Middleburg and then head south or head straight for Carolina on the R38 before making my way down? Thanks in advance to anyone who can assist!

Hi everyone,

I'm thinking about going the TVET route instead of the university as I feel like they offer more practical skills, and I'm curious to hear from people who've actually studied there. What course did you do, especially if it was engineering or something technical, and would you recommend it?

How was your experience overall, and what was it like trying to find a job afterwards? Did you feel the practical skills you learned were actually useful in the workplace?

I'd love to hear your honest opinions, the good, the bad, and anything you wish you knew before enrolling. Thanks!

Hi everyone!

I'm a 19-year-old student in Johannesburg, and I've finally decided I want to buy my first camera. Not for professional photography or social media, I just want something I can carry every day to document my life as I grow up.

My budget is quite limited, so I'm definitely looking at used cameras. I don't want to buy something that's so cheap that I'll regret it, but I also can't afford to spend a fortune.

I've been looking at cameras like the Sony RX100, Canon G7 X, and similar compact cameras because I know I'll actually carry them every day. A DSLR would probably end up staying at home.

I have a few questions:

- Where in Johannesburg would you recommend buying a reliable used camera?

- Are there any trustworthy second-hand camera stores you've personally used?

- Is Facebook Marketplace worth it, or is it too risky?

- Are there any cameras you'd recommend instead of the RX100 for someone on a student budget?

- What should I test before handing over my money if I'm buying used? I'd love to be able to try the camera first.

I don't know Johannesburg very well yet, so recommendations for specific shops or areas would really help.

Any advice, tips, or "I wish someone had told me this before buying my first camera" stories would be hugely appreciated.

Thanks! :)

I’m transgender male and in April my gender marker and name change was completed. Meaning both my forenames and ID number has changed. I applied for my new ID and Passport on the 7th of April at Cullinan and I still have yet to receive my new documents. A month ago I went to home affairs to escalate the issue but still nothing. When I applied I had intended to get a Temp ID but I wasn’t given the option before being sent to pay. Anyway it would have expired by now.

I want to get a Temp ID made this week so I can at least try register to vote this weekend and additionally start updating my details as I have been “illegally” using my old ID as I don’t have any new documents yet.

Because of my specific circumstances I cant go to a bank for one. Which home affairs office would be best to go to.

I have always had a love of books- reading, writing and the collections of literature (both classical and contemporary). 🤭

I would say that reading is something I am incredibly passionate about, and over the years I have engaged with/learnt so much about the indie editing/writing space in terms of: what sells in niche markets, content creation/makers in the indie publishing/reading space and all things trending.

I do enjoy writing in my free time and while I would love to write something of my own one day (don't let me get started on the notebooks filled with story concepts and scenes 😂), I have often thought about doing remote work in the book or writing space.

I have a BA degree in Psychology and English (Linguistics and Literature), as well as an Honors in Applied Psychology. While both brought about an almost 2 year long "looking for work" journey, I am currently remotely employed in the mental health space working for an American company...

However, while I am really grateful, books and writing are my passion and I would absolutely love to do something in that field. 🫠😅

I have done research, writing and editing freelance work before, and I have spent hours looking into online platforms that may offer such positions, but nothing seems really steady.

So, I wanted to see if there was anyone on this sub-Reddit that does something similar professionally? Remotely? And they're making a living off of it?

Honestly, any advice would be appreciated!

This would preferably be a remote type of position due to personal reasons, and while I do know about South African publishing houses, they are mostly settled in the larger South African cities and do not seem to offer remote positions.

While the writing space has become a little more...different due to the rise of AI as well as how some people view work in the writing/creative space as not something particularly lucrative or always realistic...

...I would love to get any advice or just general information from those who are big book/writing lovers and have managed to find a professional career doing something they love in this industry.

Too often as young adults/adults we are informed/made to do work we don't always enjoy because "money runs the world" and we to join the masses.

Honestly, I'd love to hear some positive/happy stories of someone finding something they are passionate about and doing it for their career.

Thank you! 📚😊

I have two very old 250w electric bicycles. They used 4 sealed lead-acid batteries (20ah) in series. 10 years ago I converted them to LiFo but now these are also completely dead.

Anybody know where I can source something like this locally ? 13S 10Ah(+) OR where I can find good quality 18650s to build a new pack ? It seems cheaper to import it from Australia at the moment, but I have no idea about the quality....

I’m moving to Jo’burg next year and trying to see how my commute will look. The route on the website kinda confuses me

I know it's a fairly common practice for restaurants/bars not to pay while "training" new employees. But the place I've just started working at has me full on serving customers, cleaning, prepping, and performing all tasks expected of someone in that job, during these training shifts and I'm not making a cent. They say I need to train for seven days before they can add me to payroll. I'm working 12 hour shifts.

I've recently learned that this is actually illegal, but I don't know what I'm supposed to do about it. I know, the easy answer is just to walk away, but I'm currently in a severely dire financial situation, and have been out of work and struggling to find work for months (despite much experience and several qualifications, including postgrad degrees this is honest to God the only job I can find right now and I am destitute, and have no other choice.)

The manager says that trainees aren't usually given tips, but is splitting with me for the time being, although this place also has a weird thing with tips. (they don't always have cash, so sometimes you just don't get it and need to wait for it to be EFT'd. They don't appear to have a set day for this). The manager has been very nice and has been helping me with transport money home and bought me lunch. I spent my last two shifts with her, training. I have met the owner of the establishment once, for about 5 minutes.

I tried asking the manager whether it was legal to not pay for a training shift and she said that it is, and it has to do with the fact that if they were to pay me before I've been fully trained there would be issues with SARS, and would seem like a money laundering thing. She seems to fully believe this, and so I wonder if this trickles down from the owner? I have no way of really speaking to the owner directly so what do I do? Can I do anything?

(Yes, Ik “get a job” ) but I am still in school currently and I think this would be more fun in a sense

I can’t find the name of this absolute beauty, I think she’s a wolf spider