
Retirement complaints hit record high as unpaid contributions dominate
Section 13A complaints accounted for more than 61% of cases investigated and closed in 2025/26, while the OPFA’s carry-over of unresolved matters increased.

Section 13A complaints accounted for more than 61% of cases investigated and closed in 2025/26, while the OPFA’s carry-over of unresolved matters increased.

Outgoing Adjudicator Muvhango Lukhaimane says the system has laid bare long-standing non-compliance with section 13A of the Pension Funds Act.

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.