The quiet revolution in retirement fund costs
Despite two decades of growing regulation, administration costs have fallen sharply, leaving more retirement contributions invested for members.
Treasury’s strategy for unclaimed benefits ‘conflates two separate issues’
The industry broadly supports centralising tracing and administration but questions whether moving assets to the CPD is necessary, appropriate, or in members’ interests.
Medihelp’s turnaround: How the scheme rebuilt its business before its balance sheet
Twelve months after reporting a solvency ratio of just 20.99%, Medihelp returned above the statutory threshold while almost nine-folding its operating surplus.
SARB forfeits nearly R11m in assets from former Steinhoff executive
The Reserve Bank orders the forfeiture of Chris Grové’s cash, property, and vehicles following a long-running exchange-control dispute.
Seven years of growth: What Bestmed’s numbers say about its sustainability
Membership, claims, reserves, and solvency all point to a strong year, but they also reveal the long-term pressures facing the scheme.
Trust tax filings jump as penalties start to roll out
Trustees face growing pressure to file outstanding returns or formally deregister dormant trusts before penalties escalate.
Discovery financially stronger, but beneficiary base shrinks again
DHMS improved its solvency, surplus and principal membership, but an ageing risk pool, fewer beneficiaries, and a claims-system error tempered the year’s progress.
Tribunal clarifies test for qualification exemptions
The ruling explains why exemption applications require objective statutory grounds rather than pleas for indulgence.
Funeral insurance Bill moves to Parliament, but questions persist
The proposed reforms could require significant operational changes for insurers, but industry experts believe they address only part of the problem.
FSCA provisionally withdraws Mixirite’s licence
The regulator’s concerns include alleged high-pressure sales tactics, unrealistic return promises, and inadequate disclosures to clients.
Ithala enters next phase as repayment administrator’s role comes under review
As the National Treasury-backed repayment programme for Ithala depositors nears completion, KZN Treasury says the Prudential Authority will review the repayment administrator’s role.
ConCourt confirms limits of VAT relief for second-hand gold
Refining does not erase the legal significance of earlier manufacture into non-prescribed forms such as jewellery.
Could your Uber ride be processed as an international payment?
The SARB is proposing new rules to address situations where local services are paid for through offshore payment networks.
Consumers fear they are running out of financial breathing room
A Debt Rescue survey suggests many households have little capacity left to absorb higher borrowing costs, adding to concerns about rising food, fuel, and electricity expenses.
Seven-year R5.5m fraud exposes dangers of unchecked payment controls
Businesses should regularly review user permissions and payment approvals to reduce opportunities for financial misconduct.
SCA’s property rights ruling has lessons for new expropriation law
The ruling was decided under the 1975 Act, yet commentators say its constitutional principles will remain relevant when the new law eventually takes effect.
Living benefits dominate claims among under-30s
Discovery’s claims data highlights how illness and disability can disrupt a young adult’s financial future long before retirement planning begins.
New SARS filing feature could mean fewer verification delays
By addressing minor inconsistencies upfront, taxpayers may avoid verification delays and receive refunds sooner where applicable.
