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.
#OPFA
New Pension Funds Adjudicator appointed as Lukhaimane steps down
Lebogang Mogashoa takes office in December for a three-year term.
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.
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.
Penalties loom for non-compliance with OPFA information requests
OPFA 2022-2023 Annual Report annual report highlights key determinations in pension administration law.
