Retirement fund faulted for failing to verify death-benefit claim
The Adjudicator orders a fresh investigation after finding that the fund had not adequately verified an alleged cohabiting partner’s claim.
#OPFA
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.
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.
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.
Death claims test trustees as section 37C meets real-world complexity
From disputed dependants to contested deaths, trustees are judged on how they investigate and explain their decisions.
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.
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 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.
