OPFA introduces dedicated form for section 13A complaints
Retirement funds are expected to submit fuller, better-documented complaints when pursuing employers over unpaid contributions and missing contribution schedules.
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No checklist for proving a permanent life partnership, says Adjudicator
Continuous cohabitation and joint bank accounts are relevant but not decisive when trustees assess whether a claimant was a permanent life partner.
Defined-benefit pension conversion dispute turns on fund’s rules
The fund’s calculation was found reasonable by an independent actuary, but the OPFA held that the rules did not authorise the conversion method.
Former Robben Island CFO loses bid to unfreeze pension benefit
The ruling found sufficient prima facie evidence for withholding but did not determine whether Karabo Ramela committed fraud or caused the claimed losses.
Death benefit ruling puts Mutsila judgment into practice
Although the retirement fund misapplied section 37C, the OPFA found the same outcome was equitable after applying the Constitutional Court’s guidance.
Treasury proposes higher levies for 2026/27
Most FSCA levies will rise by 3.2%, but retirement funds face a 15% increase in the OPFA levy, and charges are introduced for some entities.
Two-pot withdrawal allowed: fund’s arrears rule doesn’t apply to member
The deputy adjudicator finds the ‘freeze’ clause the fund relied on is tied to its DB rules and can’t be used to block a DC member’s savings withdrawal.
Adjudicator slams fund over unresolved death-benefit claim
Nearly nine years after the claim was lodged, the fund still could not confirm whether the benefit had been allocated or paid.
Benefit payment hold-up leads to compensation order against fund
The Pension Funds Adjudicator finds that delays in processing a member’s withdrawal and transfer of retirement savings were wrongful and negligent.
Non-responsive retirement funds face stricter action from Adjudicator
Summonses and subpoenas may be used to address non-cooperation by funds and administrators, as the OPFA seeks to improve the efficiency of its investigations.
Ombud Council issues new rules for Pension Funds Adjudicator
The framework formalises complaint-handling procedures, introduces mechanisms such as conciliation and summary dismissal, and will be implemented in phases.
Fund ordered to compensate member for delayed pension payments
The Pension Funds Adjudicator finds that prolonged administrative delays caused material prejudice to the member.
Retirement fund referred to FSCA after ‘failing to engage with Adjudicator’
The OPFA says the fund did not respond to multiple requests for information relating to the non-payment of a death benefit.
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.
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.
