The Johannesburg Stock Exchange (JSE) has kicked off its groundbreaking Claim It campaign, calling on South Africans to check if they are among the thousands owed a share of a staggering R4.5 billion in unclaimed dividends. This bold initiative aims to reconnect rightful owners with funds they never knew were theirs.
In a powerful collaboration with some of the JSE’s largest listed companies, the Claim It campaign is set to tackle the growing issue of unclaimed dividends head-on. With access to 19 issuer share registries, the JSE is on a mission to reunite nearly 375,000 former employees, shareholders, and beneficiaries of deceased estates with their long-lost funds.
But why do so many people miss out on what’s rightfully theirs? The reasons are varied: changing jobs, moving homes, or failing to update banking details with listed companies. These oversights have created a maze of unverified beneficiaries, leaving billions of rand in limbo. Now, the JSE is stepping in to cut through the red tape and ensure these funds find their way back to their rightful owners.
Don’t let your share slip away—check if you’re owed a piece of the R4.5 billion pie today!
The Claim It verification process for determining if a person is owed unclaimed dividends is easy.
- South Africans can visit the JSE website on www.jse.co.za/claimit and complete the online form or
- Contact the JSE Claim It call centre on 0861 401 105 to find out if they are entitled to unclaimed dividends.
The documents that are required for the verification process are:
- A valid South African ID
- Current contact information, such as a cellphone and landline number as well as an email address
- Proof of address
The JSE will then verify whether the details provided correlate with those of the shareholders in the registries.
The nineteen listed companies that the JSE has joined forces with to reconnect South Africans with their dividends are:
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· Finbond Group Ltd |
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· Mpact Ltd |
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· Sasol SA Ltd / Khanyisa · Quilter PLC |
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To further drive awareness, the JSE has appointed Lucas Radebe as an ambassador of the campaign. Lucas is one of South Africa’s most respected and trusted sports figures, known for his legendary football career, charitable work and reputation as an icon of inclusivity, and embodies the values of trust and integrity that are central to this initiative.
For assistance and more information on how to claim your dividends, visit www.jse.co.za/claimit or contact the JSE Claim It call centre on 0861 401 105 and follow the exchange’s social media accounts on Facebook (The JSE Group) X (@JSE_Group) and LinkedIn (JSE Limited).
As the festive season approaches, many South Africans are short on cash, and some may not be aware that they are owed millions in unpaid dividends from broad-based black economic empowerment (BBBEE) schemes like Phuthuma Nathi and YeboYethu.
For those who believe they are entitled to these dividends, here’s a guide on how to make a claim.
Standard Bank Simplifies Access To Unclaimed Dividends and Benefits Via Banking App
By Staff Writer
Standard Bank has made it easier for clients to access previously unclaimed dividends, pension, and insurance benefits. In collaboration with the unclaimed benefits tracing company, Robin Hood, Standard Bank has made the process of claiming these benefits seamless through its Banking App.
“Some clients are owed a few thousand rands, while others have large amounts of unclaimed benefits. This is money that could change lives and boost the economy. By removing the requirement for clients to individually approach funds to submit claims, we are making it easier for clients to be reunited with their unclaimed benefits,” says Dr Belinda Rathogwa, Standard Bank’s Head of Digital and E-commerce.
According to the Financial Sector Conduct Authority (FSCA), there were approximately R89 billion in unclaimed benefits in 2022 that needed to be reunited with their rightful owners. By streamlining the claims process, Standard Bank aims to make a positive contribution to addressing this societal challenge.
“We are partnering with more retirement funds, share schemes, and insurers through our Corporate and Investment Banking division to expand the benefits that clients can claim through our Banking App. The more funds that join, the more value we can put back into the hands of clients,” adds Dr Rathogwa.
YeboYethu, the broad-based black economic empowerment arm of Vodacom, is looking for thousands of shareholders who are owed close to R74 million.
“YeboYethu has a number of shareholders to whom unclaimed dividends of R73 742 748 are owed,” Zarina Bassa, YeboYethu’s chairman, revealed in the company’s latest annual report.
“As a result of shareholders not updating their contact details regularly, we are unable to contact these shareholders, notwithstanding significant cost and efforts in trying to trace them.”
The Vodacom YeboYethu empowerment scheme was established in 2008 and allowed black people to purchase Vodacom SA shares at a discount.
This year marks the twelfth year of YeboYethu.
