The fund is managed by a dedicated Board of Independent Trustees who ensure everything is done fairly, responsibly, and in the best interests of members and beneficiaries. Day-to-day operations are overseen by the Principal Officer, Ms. Queeneth Buthelezi, supported by the Business Manager, Ms. Mbali Ratlou.
We have contractual relationships, with tracing agents, administrators, and consultants to track down former members and process claims. AlexForbes is our appointed fund administrator, our auditors are PricewaterhouseCoopers, and our actuarial services are currently provided by Moruba Consultants and Actuaries.
Many former members live in remote areas and lack access to technology or documents, making the tracing process difficult. We are committed to overcoming these barriers and continuing to reach as many people as possible.
As of June 2025, we have paid over 17,500 claims totalling R315 million, with more claims in progress.
was created for mine workers who were part of the South African mining industry between 1970 and 1998. The fund is now closed to new members, and no new contributions are being made.
Our main purpose is to trace and pay the former members of the fund—or, where the member has passed away, their rightful beneficiaries. Over the years, we’ve helped thousands of individuals receive what is due to them.
The Mines 1970 Pension Fund (Defined Benefit) and Provident Fund (Defined Contribution) were established in accordance with the Pension Funds Act of 1956. Originally sponsored by the Chamber of Mines, these funds represent a long-standing legacy in the industry.
The Funds are dedicated unclaimed benefit funds stemming from workers who served in the mining industry between 1970 and 1998. While the Funds are now closed to active contributions, our mission is to ensure every cent reaches its rightful owner.
Our primary objective is to trace former members. In instances where a former member has passed away, we work tirelessly to locate their beneficiaries. We are committed to honoring the hard work of those who built the mining industry.
AlexForbes serves as the administrator responsible for claim payments. To ensure accuracy and compliance, the Board of Trustees has appointed specialized tracing agents to source the documentation essential for verifying and processing payments.
Due to an aging member profile and the nature of historical record-keeping, we face unique hurdles. We are actively overcoming these challenges to ensure we accurately identify and pay the correct former members and their families.
Day-to-day operations are centralized in the office of the Principal Officer, Ms. Queeneth Buthelezi, supported by Business Manager, Ms. Mbali Ratlou. Their leadership ensures the Funds remain stable and focused on their core mission.
The Funds were originally administered by the Chamber of Mines until 30th May 2013. The Board of Trustees then agreed to appoint AlexForbes as their independent 13B Administrator as from the 31st of May 2013.
The board makes use of Price Water Coopers as their Auditors. The original Actuaries are Moruba Consultants and Actuaries.
The Board also has an independent benefit consultant in DTC Consulting Pty Ltd, who since 2020 has had the primary responsibility to advise the Board and the Principal Officer of the Fund.
Welcome to the Mines 1970 Unclaimed Preservation Pension and Provident Fund. Before proceeding to our website, please note that we are dedicated to helping former miners and their beneficiaries claim their rightful benefits.
