Could you be heir to some of the R4.5bn in unclaimed dividends on the JSE through a deceased estate?

Motheo Khoaripe (in for Stephen Grootes) talks to Vuyo Lee, director of Marketing and Corporate Affairs at the Johannesburg Stock Exchange.

The Johannesburg Stock Exchange (JSE) is still urging South Africans to check if they have any unclaimed dividends owing to them.

There is a staggering R4.5 billion's worth of these unclaimed funds on the bourse.

The Claim It initiative is helping reconnect the affected individuals with their share of all this money.

RELATED: R4.5bn in dividends on the JSE remains unclaimed - Here's how to check if you have unclaimed funds

National Wills Week provides the perfect moment to highlight an often-overlooked question: What happens to your investments when you pass away, and how can your heirs rightfully claim what is theirs?

The JSE's Vuyo Lee says quite a significant number of people have a right to some of these unclaimed billions in dividends through a deceased estate.

"Out of the 600,000 shareholders who we are managing on this campaign, about 52,000 of them are for deceased estates."

Vuyo Lee, Director: Marketing & Corporate Affairs - JSE

The process of gaining access to your share is more complicated in this case, Lee says, particularly if the person who died did not leave a will.

"I think that's where more work needs to be done from a claim perspective, because in addition to all the documents required for a claim, you will need as well to submit a death certificate, and a proof of relationship - so either a birth or marriage certificate."

Vuyo Lee, Director: Marketing & Corporate Affairs - JSE

"Also, you will need an executive letter to verify, firstly, that you are the rightful beneficiary of those unclaimed dividends."

Vuyo Lee, Director: Marketing & Corporate Affairs - JSE

If you are stumped, Lee recommends checking in with the Claim It call centre by phoning 0861 401 104.

REASONS WHY YOU MAY HAVE UNCLAIMED DIVIDENDS:

• Changes in banking account details  - FICA details may also be required/outstanding
• Changes in contact details - FICA details may also be required/outstanding
• Death of a family member who may have been a shareholder
• Award of shareholding you may not be aware of – such as an Initial Public Offer (IPO) or BEE Scheme
• Shareholder not having an active credit record and is untraceable

To hear more about the claims process, whether you are owed through a deceased estate or not, listen to the interview audio at the top of the article