Adjudicator’s rulings highlight ongoing confusion over two-pot withdrawals
The retirement funds correctly refused multiple savings component withdrawals and early access to vested benefits.
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New Rules for Adjudicator emphasise efficiency, consistency, and COFI readiness
The draft Rules for the Office of the Pension Funds Adjudicator formalise existing procedures and align the OPFA with COFI and the cross-scheme framework.
Move to two-pot system drives jump in complaints to the Adjudicator
Outgoing Adjudicator Muvhango Lukhaimane says the system has laid bare long-standing non-compliance with section 13A of the Pension Funds Act.
COFI will redefine the OPFA’s role and scope
Expanding the Office’s mandate to include disputes involving advice will enhance member protection, but there are concerns over jurisdictional overlaps and operational costs.
Pensions adjudicator seeks big levy increase in 2026/27
The OPFA says it needs to take on more staff to handle the significant increase in the number of complaints.
Adjudicator asks FSCA to act against ‘unresponsive’ retirement fund
Muvhango Lukhaimane says the SALA Pension Fund’s refusal to engage with her Office’s enquiries constitutes a breach of the fund’s fiduciary obligations.
Benefit allocation | When may a retirement fund consider DNA testing?
When the paternity of a retirement member’s child is in doubt, boards must tread a fine line between equitable distribution and undue intrusion.
Behind the scenes at OPFA: how pension complaints are investigated and resolved
Deputy Pension Funds Adjudicator Naheem Essop shares how OPFA’s inquisitorial process works, the challenges funds face with internal dispute resolution, and what happens when complaints escalate or are deemed frivolous.
Funds ‘must do more’ to hold employers accountable for arrear contributions
The OPFA on how retirement funds should address non-compliant employers, death benefit allocations, and requests to withhold benefits.
Adjudicator aligns with High Court’s ruling on the in duplum rule
The OPFA confirms that penalty interest on late employer contributions may not exceed the original capital owing – in line with the Full Bench’s judgment in March.
Retirement funds can’t use POPIA to withhold information from the Adjudicator
PAIA and POPIA should not be misused to hide inadequate investigations into dependants’ claims.
Member’s withdrawal bid denied as two-pot rules exclude legacy RAs
The Pension Funds Adjudicator rules the fund acted within the law when it refused a member’s request to dip into his FlexiPension plan.
Tribunal ruling draws clear line on Adjudicator’s jurisdiction over unapproved disability claims
The ruling underscores that disputes over unapproved disability claims underwritten by insurers through employer-held policies must be addressed with employers and insurers.
Adjudicator says levy increase will support operational independence
The Pension Funds Adjudicator is looking to implement a 4.7% increase in its levy, raising the cost to retirement funds by 49c per eligible member.
Adjudicator urges funds and members to communicate to avoid two-pot complaints
Members should find out whether they will be eligible to withdraw money from their savings components.
Adjudicator blocks acknowledgement of debt signed under duress
The employee was told she would be granted immunity from prosecution if she agreed to sign the AOD.
