Over 300 assisted at Duduza outreach to reclaim unclaimed pension benefits
With over R88b in unclaimed retirement benefits still unresolved, the Open Democracy Institute and Pension Fund Action Campaign launched a powerful outreach in Duduza, giving hundreds the tools to reclaim their pensions and demand accountability.
Duduza – The Open Democracy Institute (ODI) and Pension Fund Action Campaign (PFAC) hosted a successful Unclaimed Retirement Benefits Outreach Programme on Saturday at the Duduza Resource Centre.
“We wish to extend our gratitude to all who attended and participated in the event,” said Ntebogeng Bhonga from the organisation.
“We are proud to report that over 300 eligible community members were assisted during the outreach, with direct support from officials representing the Financial Sector Conduct Authority (FSCA) and the Pension Fund Adjudicator (PFA).”
Bhonga described the event as a significant step forward in their ongoing campaign for pension justice. Many former workers were able to submit complaints and begin the process of reclaiming what is rightfully theirs.
She credited the event’s success to the commitment of dedicated volunteers and the presence of key stakeholders who recognise the scale and urgency of South Africa’s unclaimed retirement benefits crisis.
“However, this is not the end of our struggle; it is only the beginning. The assistance received from the FSCA and PFA is a welcome boost, but it does not mean we should sit back and wait.
“We must now turn our campaign toward holding fund administrators accountable, including those who have historically failed mine workers, domestic workers, factory workers, security guards, and many others whose pensions remain unclaimed or mismanaged,” she said.
According to the FSCA, over R88b in unclaimed pension and retirement benefits had been reported as of 2022. The Johannesburg Stock Exchange (JSE) has separately indicated that unclaimed share dividends may push this figure closer to R90b.
“This is a staggering fortune sitting idle while former workers suffer hunger, homelessness, and indignity,” Bhonga said.
“We therefore call upon all former mine workers, domestic workers, factory workers, security guards, and beneficiaries across our region and beyond to join our movement. The time is now to stand together in pursuit of pension justice and financial retribution.”
ODI and PFAC host regular community meetings at Mmuso Primary School in Duduza on Wednesdays at 15:00 and Saturdays at 12:00.
For more information, contact Ntebogeng Bhonga on 075 311 7658.
