Did you know that over R4.5 billion in unclaimed dividends is waiting to be claimed in South Africa? If you have ever owned shares, worked for a company listed on the Johannesburg Stock Exchange (JSE), or inherited shares from a family member, you may be entitled to a payout.
To help South Africans recover their unclaimed dividends, the JSE has launched the “Claim It” campaign, a simple tool that allows individuals to check whether they are owed any money. With nearly 375 000 shareholders, former employees, and beneficiaries still unaware of their outstanding funds, it’s time to check if you are one of them!
What Are Unclaimed Dividends?
Unclaimed dividends refer to dividend payments owed to shareholders but not yet collected. These dividends accumulate when companies issue payments to investors, but the funds remain unpaid due to various reasons.
Common Reasons for Unclaimed Dividends
Many South Africans miss out on unclaimed dividends due to:
- Change of Address – Moving to a new home without updating your contact details with the company.
- Banking Details Issues – Outdated or incorrect banking information leading to failed payments.
- Beneficiaries Unaware of Inherited Shares – Relatives of deceased shareholders may not know they are entitled to dividends.
- Lost Share Certificates – Many individuals lose track of their investments over time.
- Name Changes – A change in surname (due to marriage or other reasons) without updating the company records.
How to Check If You Have Unclaimed Dividends
The JSE’s “Claim It” campaign makes it easy for South Africans to find out if they are owed money.
Steps to Check for Unclaimed Dividends
Visit the JSE “Claim It” Website
- Go to www.jse.co.za/claimit
- Fill in the online form with your personal details.
Call the JSE Claim It Call Centre
- Dial 0861 401 105 for assistance.
Required Documents
To complete the verification process, you will need:
- Valid South African ID
- Current Contact Details (cellphone number, landline, and email address)
- Proof of Address (such as a utility bill)
Once your details are submitted, the JSE will verify if you are entitled to unclaimed dividends.
Which Companies Are Holding Unclaimed Dividends?
The JSE has partnered with 19 listed companies to help track down shareholders with unclaimed dividends. If you previously worked for or held shares in any of the following companies, you could be eligible for a payout:
- 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
Why Do Dividends Go Unclaimed?
Unclaimed dividends accumulate for several reasons:
- Outdated or incorrect shareholder records – Companies struggle to contact shareholders if details are incorrect.
- Lack of financial knowledge – Many shareholders do not understand their rights to dividends.
- Inability to track multiple investments – Investors often lose track of small dividend payments across multiple companies.
The Bigger Picture: Unclaimed Assets in South Africa
While unclaimed dividends total R4.5 billion, they are only a fraction of the larger financial issue in South Africa. According to the Financial Sector Conduct Authority (FSCA), there is R88.5 billion in unclaimed assets across financial institutions, including:
- Unclaimed pensions and provident funds
- Unclaimed insurance payouts
- Dormant bank accounts
- Forgotten investments
How to Search for Other Unclaimed Assets
If you suspect you have unclaimed dividends or other financial assets, follow these steps:
Check the FSCA Unclaimed Benefits Search Tool
- Visit FSCA Unclaimed Benefits Search
- Enter your name, surname, ID number, fund name, or employer details
- If there is a match, you will receive the contact details of the fund administrator.
Contact Your Bank or Insurance Company
- Some banks and insurers offer their own search tools for unclaimed assets.
Check with Past Employers
- If you changed jobs multiple times, you may have unclaimed retirement benefits.
How to Prevent Future Unclaimed Dividends
To avoid missing out on unclaimed dividends in the future, follow these simple steps:
1. Keep Your Contact Details Updated
- Always inform companies where you hold shares of any changes in address, phone number, or email.
- Update your banking details immediately after switching banks.
2. Maintain Records of Your Investments
- Keep a file of share certificates, dividend notices, and investment statements.
- Inform family members about your investments in case they need to claim them.
3. Check Regularly for Unclaimed Funds
- Visit the JSE “Claim It” website and the FSCA Unclaimed Benefits Search Tool annually.
- If you have multiple investments, review them regularly to ensure you are receiving your dividends.
Related: How to Get a Tax Number from SARS – 3 Easy Steps
Many South Africans could be unknowingly entitled to a portion of the R4.5 billion in unclaimed dividends. Through the JSE’s “Claim It” campaign, checking and reclaiming your money has never been easier.
Don’t let your hard-earned dividends go to waste. Take action today by visiting www.jse.co.za/claimit or calling 0861 401 105.
