Housing purpose alone does not secure a pension-backed loan
The Adjudicator upheld a fund’s reliance on affordability requirements but cautioned it about poor service delivery and delayed communication.
PFA
OPFA: Trustees can’t outsource death-benefit decisions to formulas
The determination highlights the need for independent judgment, proper investigation, and clear reasons when allocating benefits among dependants.
Unpaid contributions: what ‘doing enough’ looks like for trustees
An IRFA panel says trustees need clear escalation processes and persistent oversight to turn section 13A compliance into meaningful recovery action.
OPFA signals tougher action against non-compliance
The Pension Funds Adjudicator plans to use its powers more assertively against employers, funds, and responsible persons who ignore complaints or fail to co-operate.
OPFA proposes framework for exercising summons powers
The draft guidelines set out how witnesses may be called and material obtained during complaint investigations.
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 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.
Conduct Standard deadline nears for benefit administrators
From 6 August, administration agreements and outsourcing arrangements must comply with the last deferred provisions of Conduct Standard 2 of 2025.
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.
FST sets aside pension ruling in dispute between SAIPA and former CEO
The decision clarifies when prior civil proceedings may prevent the Pension Funds Adjudicator from investigating a complaint over withheld benefits.
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.
SCA upholds Adjudicator’s reading of ‘12 months’ in section 37C
The retirement fund was not entitled to pay the benefit into the estate because it only learned of the member’s death more than a year later.
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.
Retirement industry flags operational risks in dual contribution regime
IRFA says the FSCA is engaging with the Department of Employment and Labour on the issue.
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.
