Several retired teachers in the North West say they have been left without income for months while their pension benefits are being processed. At least five former educators are reportedly still waiting for their payouts after retiring. After decades of service, they now face financial hardship and emotional distress.
Some retirees say they are borrowing money from relatives and neighbours to survive, struggling to afford food, medication, electricity and transport.
“We served with dignity, but we are not being treated with dignity,” said one retiree. “Retirement has become a daily struggle.”
The pensioners allege that the Human Resource unit at the Rustenburg District Office failed to submit their retirement documents timeously, despite being informed in advance of their early retirement. Some who contacted the Government Employees Pension Fund (GEPF) directly claim they were told their applications had not yet been received.
The GEPF has clarified that it cannot process retirement benefits unless it has received the required documentation from the relevant employer department.
Retirement benefits are a legal entitlement, and for elderly citizens who depend solely on their pension, administrative delays can have serious financial consequences.
While the confirmed number of affected retirees exceeds five, concerns have been raised that the issue may be more widespread across the province.
The retirees have appealed to North West MEC for Education, Ms Viola Motsumi, to intervene urgently and ensure that outstanding documents are submitted.
At the time of going to press, Moretele Times had not received a response from the North West Department of Education following a media enquiry sent to the contact details published on the department’s website.
