5 May 2006
The National Treasury wishes to announce the launch of the Special Pensions
Awareness campaign. The aim of the campaign is to inform potential
beneficiaries of amendments to the Special Pensions Act and to reach people who
have not yet applied.
The fight for a democratic South Africa led to many people sacrificing their
lives, livelihoods and families. The Special Pensions Act was enacted in 1996
in order to address the plight of those who had made these sacrifices and in
the process lost an opportunity to provide for their livelihood while in the
pursuit of freedom and a just society.
On 27 April the country commemorated 12 years of freedom and will on Monday,
8 May celebrate 10 years of the Constitution of the Republic of South Africa.
In the same celebratory and commemoratory spirit the National Treasuryâs
Special Pensions office therefore wishes to invite potential beneficiaries who
have not yet applied for a special pension to do so.
Following amendments made by parliament to the Special Pensions Act, the
National Treasury will embark on a comprehensive awareness campaign in order to
communicate the amendments and the closing date for applications which is 31
December 2006.
The amendments make provision for surviving spouses or orphans of pensioners
to receive a monthly pension in addition to the lump sum payment previously
received. The Amended Act further provides for a funeral benefit to be paid to
the families of deceased pensioners or the deceased spouses and children of
pensioners who benefit from the Special Pensions Act.
The awareness campaign will give further details around the application
process, the qualification criteria for people who are eligible for a special
pension and will also encourage potential beneficiaries to apply before the
closing date. Individuals whose applications had been rejected in the past by
both the Special Pensions Board and Review Board may apply for reconsideration
provided that they are able to present material facts that were not considered
by the Boards and that may have resulted in a different decision.
For more information potential beneficiaries are encouraged to contact the
client services number toll free on 080 7723 646.
Issued by: National Treasury
5 May 2006
