The Johannesburg Stock Exchange (JSE) has launched an urgent campaign to reunite South Africans with their unclaimed dividends, which amount to a staggering R4.5 billion. Dubbed the Claim It campaign, this initiative aims to ensure that shareholders, former employees, and beneficiaries of deceased estates claim what is rightfully theirs.
Unclaimed Dividends: How Did This Happen?
Unclaimed dividends are a common issue in South Africa, often resulting from people changing jobs, relocating without updating their details, or neglecting to inform listed companies of banking information changes. Over time, these funds accumulate, creating a substantial financial reservoir that remains unclaimed.
To address this, the JSE has partnered with nineteen major listed companies to streamline the verification and claims process. Nearly 375,000 individuals are potentially entitled to these funds, but many remain unaware.
How to Check If You Have Unclaimed Dividends
The Johannesburg Stock Exchange has made the process simple for South Africans to check whether they have money waiting for them. Here’s how:
- Visit the JSE Claim It website: www.jse.co.za/claimit and complete the online verification form.
- Call the JSE Claim It call center: Dial 0861 401 105 for assistance in determining if you are entitled to unclaimed dividends.
Documents Required for Verification
To claim unclaimed dividends, you will need to provide:
- A valid South African ID
- Current contact details (cellphone, landline, and email address)
- Proof of address
The JSE will then cross-check the information against its registries to confirm entitlement.
Which Companies Are Involved?
The Claim It initiative is backed by nineteen prominent JSE-listed companies, including:
- African Media Entertainment Ltd
- Finbond Group Ltd
- Wilson Bayly Holmes-Ovcon Ltd
- YeboYethu
- Advtech Ltd
- Cashbuild Ltd
- Super Group Ltd
- Naspers Ltd
- Mpact Ltd
- JSE Ltd
- Reunert Ltd
- Merafe Resources Ltd
- Northam Platinum Holdings Ltd
- Growthpoint Properties Ltd
- Old Mutual Ltd
- Sasol Ltd
- Sasol SA Ltd / Khanyisa
- Quilter PLC
- Sasol Inzalo
These companies are working alongside the stock market agency to ensure that rightful shareholders reclaim their funds as efficiently as possible.
Lucas Radebe Joins as Brand Ambassador
To further boost awareness, the agency has appointed Lucas Radebe, one of South Africa’s most respected sports legends, as an ambassador for the Claim It campaign. Known for his integrity, inclusivity, and philanthropy, Radebe embodies the values of trust and transparency that underpin this initiative.
The Bigger Picture: Unclaimed Assets in South Africa
While R4.5 billion in unclaimed dividends is significant, it is only a fraction of the R90 billion in unclaimed assets across the country. According to the Financial Sector Conduct Authority (FSCA), an estimated R88.5 billion in financial assets remains unclaimed due to various factors such as:
- Outdated records
- Employer oversight
- Poor beneficiary awareness
How to Check for Other Unclaimed Assets
To see if you have additional unclaimed assets, visit the FSCA website and use their search tool. Simply enter basic details such as your name, surname, ID number, fund name, or employer to check for a match. If eligible, you will receive the relevant contact details for further claims processing.
Why This Matters
Claiming your unclaimed dividends or other financial assets can provide a financial boost and prevent these funds from sitting dormant. The JSE’s Claim It campaign is an essential step towards ensuring financial inclusion and justice for thousands of South Africans.
Also Read: What Happens to Your Debt When You Die? How to Protect Your Assets with Credit Life Insurance
