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Abstract:
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The review assesses the obstacles to accessing the death benefits due to orphans from statutory insurance
schemes and pension funds in South Africa. The operation of eight major registered pension
funds and three major statutory insurance funds are described. A socio-economic and legal analysis
of the appointment of guardians suggests risks to the rights of children in accessing benefits. Foster
children are not consistently covered. Anomalies arise from limitations in coverage of workers out of
employment, and unlawful workers. Significant obstacles to accessing benefits include unjustified and
cumbersome claims procedures, a failure to properly investigate claims in certain funds, inappropriate
payment methods, poor governance, inappropriate trust arrangements and a lack of adequate monitoring
and reporting on unclaimed monies. The review concludes with recommendations for reform. |