In September 2022, a 'people's hearing' hosted by Open Secrets and the Unpaid Benefits Campaign (UBC) in Johannesburg highlighted the ongoing struggle of pensioners to access their benefits. Various stakeholders attended, but state institutions were notably absent.

 

Dr. Dale McKinley, a writer and political activist, criticized administrators for blaming pensioners who have repeatedly tried to claim their unpaid benefits. Testimonies revealed that about 1,750 former employees of Kimberly-Clark South Africa haven’t received their benefits. This is one of many examples, including numerous mineworkers who struggle with benefit claims despite long years of service.

 

The event exposed major failures by state regulators and pension fund administrators. Pensioners described their challenges with inconsistent administrative processes and how unpaid benefits have affected their quality of life. Testimonies also revealed discrimination and a lack of transparency within pension fund administration.

 

In spite of these challenges, there were signs of progress, like improved administration and new efforts by the Financial Sector Conduct Authority (FSCA) and other bodies. But the struggle for many continues as they go after the benefits rightfully owed to them.

 

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