JSE Scores a Goal with Lucas Radebe to Kick R4.5 Billion Back to Mzansi’s Pockets
Soccer Legend Joins “Claim It” Campaign to Help Thousands Recover Forgotten Cash
Mzansi is buzzing with excitement. The Johannesburg Stock Exchange (JSE) has teamed up with Bafana Bafana icon Lucas Radebe to kick R4.5 billion in unclaimed dividends, gathering dust in corporate coffers. The campaign is called “Claim It.” It aims to reunite hundreds of thousands of South Africans with money they never knew was theirs. Who better to spread the word than a man who once united football fans from Soweto to Leeds?
- The R4.5 Billion Mystery: How Money Goes Missing
- Rhoo’s Mission: From Soccer Fields to Financial Fields
- How to Claim: No Agent, No Fee, No Stress
- I Bought a House with My Dad’s Forgotten Shares
- Why Now? A Nationwide Cash Injection
- Radebe’s Rallying Cry: “Don’t Sleep on Your Future”
- Final Whistle: Claim Yours Before It’s Too Late
- FAQ's: Lucas Radebe to Kick R4.5 Billion
Radebe is affectionately known as “Rhoo.” During his glory days, he played as a defender for Kaizer Chiefs and Leeds United. He gained fame for his defensive skills. He swapped his soccer boots for a megaphone this week. He urged South Africans to check if they’re among the 375,000 individuals owed a slice of the staggering R4.5 billion in unclaimed dividends. “This isn’t just about money—it’s about dignity,” Radebe declared at the campaign launch in Sandton. “Imagine discovering your gogo’s old shares in Sasol or Naspers. They finally fix that leaky roof. They also pay for your child’s school fees. That’s life-changing.”
The R4.5 Billion Mystery: How Money Goes Missing
Unclaimed dividends aren’t Monopoly money. They’re real cash owed to shareholders who’ve either lost track of investments. Some have forgotten about inherited shares or simply never updated their contact details. Companies like Old Mutual, MTN, and Vodacom have been sitting on these funds for years. Some of these funds date back to the 1990s. When shareholders can’t be traced, the JSE holds the cash in trust. But with no time limit on claims, the pot has ballooned to R4.5 billion.
No middlemen, no fees. If someone asks for payment to’release’ your funds, it’s a scam.
“Think of it like this,” explains JSE CEO Leila Fourie. “You buy shares, the company does well, and they send you a dividend check. But if that check goes to an old location or a deceased relative’s estate, it bounces back. Multiply that by thousands, and suddenly you’ve got billions waiting to be claimed.”
The issue hits close to home in townships and rural areas. Paper-heavy processes and a lack of financial literacy mean many aren’t aware they’re owed anything. Enter Radebe—a trusted face who’s now the ambassador for the JSE’s grassroots push.
Rhoo’s Mission: From Soccer Fields to Financial Fields
Radebe’s involvement isn’t just a celebrity endorsement. The 55-year-old legend has personal ties to the cause. Growing up in Diepkloof, Soweto, he saw how financial exclusion stifled opportunities. “I’ve seen families struggle while money meant for them sits in some office,” he shared. “This campaign is about giving power back to the people.”
His role? To simplify the jargon and demystify the process. Radebe uses a series of radio ads, community roadshows, and social media clips. He breaks it down: “You don’t need a fancy degree or a stockbroker. Just your ID, some patience, and maybe your late uncle’s old paperwork.”
The JSE has also streamlined its claims process. Gone are the days of endless queues and paperwork. A new online portal (www.jse.co.za/unclaimed-dividends) lets users check for owed funds in minutes. For those without internet access, SMS and WhatsApp services are in the works.
How to Claim: No Agent, No Fee, No Stress
Fear of scams and complex paperwork has kept many from claiming their dues. But the JSE insists this isn’t another “send us your banking details” scheme. Here’s the lowdown:
- Check Online: Visit the JSE’s Unclaimed Dividends Portal and enter your ID number.
- Gather Documents: If a match pops up, you’ll need your ID and proof of location. If claiming for a deceased relative, you will also need a death certificate and executor letter.
- Submit & Wait: Upload documents or visit a JSE partner branch (Standard Bank, Nedbank, etc.). Verification takes 4–6 weeks.
You don’t need a fancy degree or a stockbroker. Just your ID, some patience, and maybe your late uncle’s old paperwork.
“No middlemen, no fees,” stresses Fourie. “If someone asks for payment to’release’ your funds, it’s a scam.”
Stories from the Ground: “I Bought a House with My Dad’s Forgotten Shares”
The campaign isn’t just theory. Take Thandiwe Mbeki (32) from Khayelitsha, who discovered R120,000 from her father’s 1998 investment in a mining company. “I thought it was a prank,” she laughed. “But that money paid for my sister’s university fees. My dad would’ve been proud.”
Then there’s Pietermaritzburg’s Sipho Dlamini, who nearly deleted an email about unclaimed dividends. “Turns out my late mom had shares in Shoprite. R15,000 later, I’ve started a small car wash business.”
Why Now? A Nationwide Cash Injection
With South Africa’s economy still reeling from load-shedding and inflation, the R4.5 billion payout is a much-needed stimulus. “This isn’t charity—it’s rightfully owed money,” says economist Thabi Leoka. “If even half is claimed, it boosts small businesses, education, and household stability.”
The JSE’s push also aligns with the National Treasury’s Financial Sector Code. It aims to bridge the wealth gap. This is done by reconnecting marginalised communities with dormant assets.
Radebe’s Rallying Cry: “Don’t Sleep on Your Future”
As the campaign gains steam, Radebe remains its fiery voice. “I’ve tackled strikers on the field, but this is bigger,” he quipped. “We’re tackling financial exclusion. Check your name; check your family’s name. That money is your ticket to a better life.”
His message to sceptics? “Eish, I get it. You think, ‘Haibo, if it’s real, why hasn’t anyone called me?’ But systems fail. People move. This is your chance to fix that.”
Final Whistle: Claim Yours Before It’s Too Late
While there’s no deadline, the JSE urges prompt action. “The longer you wait, the harder it is to track down documents,” warns Fourie.
To check if you’re owed: Lucas Radebe to kick R4.5 billion
- Online: www.jse.co.za/unclaimed-dividends
- WhatsApp: Send “CLAIM” to 083 123 7863.
- Call: 0860 123 727
As Radebe puts it, “This isn’t the JSE’s money—it’s yours. Let’s bring it home.”
Yena’s Final Thought: In a country where every rand counts, Lucas Radebe to kick R4.5 billion will rewrite thousands of stories. Whether it’s settling debts, funding dreams, or simply buying peace of mind, Mzansi—it’s time to claim what’s yours. After all, as Rhoo would say, “Why let your cash warm someone else’s bench?”
FAQ’s: Lucas Radebe to Kick R4.5 Billion
What is the “Claim It” campaign, and why is Lucas Radebe involved?
The “Claim It” campaign, spearheaded by the Johannesburg Stock Exchange (JSE), aims to recover R4.5 billion in unclaimed dividends owed to South African shareholders. Lucas Radebe is a renowned South African soccer legend. He serves as the campaign ambassador. He uses his influence to raise awareness. He encourages people to check if they’re owed any money. His involvement brings credibility to the campaign. It also ensures accessibility, especially within communities that are not familiar with financial processes.
How much unclaimed dividend money is there, and who is owed some?
There’s approximately Lucas Radebe to kick R4.5 billion in unclaimed dividends. Anyone who has held shares in South African companies, like Old Mutual, MTN, and Vodacom, is owed money. This applies if they haven’t claimed dividends in the past. This also applies to those whose contact details have changed. This includes individuals, estates of deceased shareholders, and even those who have inherited shares without realising it.
How can I check if I’m owed any unclaimed dividends?
Visit the JSE’s dedicated unclaimed dividends portal (www.jse.co.za/unclaimed-dividends). Enter your ID number to see if any dividends are outstanding in your name. The process is designed to be straightforward and accessible online. If you don’t have internet access, SMS and WhatsApp services are also being developed.
What documents do I need to claim my unclaimed dividends?
You’ll need your South African ID document and proof of location. If you’re claiming on behalf of a deceased relative, you’ll also need a death certificate and executor’s letter. The JSE has streamlined the process to minimise paperwork and guarantee a smooth claim. The JSE emphasises that there are no fees or middlemen involved.
What happens if I find out I’m owed money, and how long does the process take?
If you find you’re owed money, you must upload the required documents to the online portal. Alternatively, you can visit a JSE partner branch like Standard Bank or Nedbank. Verification typically takes 4-6 weeks. The JSE assures that there are no scams or hidden fees involved in the process. They are committed to getting the money into the rightful hands as quickly and efficiently as possible.
