In a transformative endeavour to reconnect South Africans with their unclaimed dividends, Claim It, a collaborative effort spearheaded by the Johannesburg Stock Exchange (JSE), was ignited following the insightful findings of the Financial Sector Conduct Authority (FSCA) in 2022.
Their research unveiled that there is nearly R88.56 billion in unclaimed assets across the financial sector, with R4.5 billion of these assets being unclaimed dividends.
Several reasons contribute to individuals being unaware of their unclaimed dividends. These reasons include people changing jobs, relocating to a new address or updating their banking details without informing the relevant companies. As a result, finding and verifying the rightful beneficiaries becomes challenging, leading to delays in distributing the unclaimed funds.
For many South Africans, these unclaimed dividends hold the potential to fund education, healthcare or entrepreneurial ventures, thereby driving economic development and fostering a more inclusive financial landscape.
Recognising the gravity of the situation, a growing number of listed companies have joined forces with the JSE to address this issue head-on through the Claim It campaign. Claim It has seen collaboration from some of the largest 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, OLD Mutual PLC, Sasol Ltd, Sasol SA Ltd / Khanyisa, Quilter PLC, Vodacom and Sasol Inzalo.
The Claim It initiative also presents an opportunity to foster a more engaged and informed shareholder base, as individuals become more informed about their investments and the companies, they have invested in.
How to Find Your Unclaimed Dividends
- Visit the JSE Website on https://www.jse.co.za/claimit.
- Complete the Online Form: Fill in the required personal information, including your ID number, full name, address, and contact details.
- Instant Results: Once you have submitted your information, you will receive immediate communication regarding any unclaimed dividends associated with your profile.
Complete your application: If there is a potential match, you will be prompted to submit required supporting documentation. A secure link will be provided for this purpose, ensuring your information remains protected throughout the process.
For more information, contact the Claim It call centre at 086 140 1105 or +27 10 491 4840.
Since its launch, the Claim It campaign has seen over 40,000 people checking for unclaimed dividends, with nearly 5,000 potential matches being verified to hold unclaimed funds. This initiative highlights the importance of staying informed about one's investments and offers a unique opportunity for South Africans to reclaim what is rightfully theirs.
To stay up to date with the latest from the Claim It campaign, please visit the JSE’s social media pages on LinkedIn, Facebook, Instagram and X. Together, let us unlock the potential of these unclaimed dividends and pave the way for a brighter financial future.