- No. 7 Disa Road, Extension 8, Kempton Park
- pension@mepf.co.za
- +27 11 578 5333
By MEPF
MEPF Newsletter Issue 7
Dear Valued Member,
Welcome to the 7th Edition of the MEPF Newsletter!
With just one month left in 2025, the countdown to our Annual General Meeting is
officially on, and excitement is building across the Fund. This edition brings you a dynamic
roundup of updates, achievements, and important member information as we close out another impactful year together.
Inside, we highlight key developments shaping the future of MEPF, including the
registration of customary marriages, updates on funeral benefit coverage, and the release of the 2025 Benefit Statements.
Even more exciting, you get to see how your benefits are calculated, giving you greater
transparency and control over your retirement planning.
We also take you through the Municipality Wellness Events, showcasing how institutions
across the country are championing member engagement, education, and well-being.
As always, our focus remains clear: strengthening governance, improving communication,
empowering members, and ensuring long-term financial security for all.
Dive into this edition — and thank you for being an essential part of the MEPF story!
Countdown to the 2025 MEPF General Meeting!
The wait is almost over!
The highly anticipated 2025 MEPF General Meeting is around the corner and preparations are in full swing. This is the most important event on the Fund’s calendar — where members, municipalities, and the current Fund leadership come together to make key decisions shaping the future of MEPF.
We encourage all municipalities that have not yet submitted their voting returns for the election of Employees’ Representatives to do so as soon as possible. Timely submission ensures that all members are fairly represented and the Fund continues to operate in line with its governance principles. The strength of our governance begins with you — our members.
The Roles of the Board of Trustees
The Municipal Employees Pension Fund (MEPF) is governed by a Board of Trustees, who play a critical role in ensuring that members’ interests remain at the heart of every decision. Trustees oversee Fund operations, compliance, investment strategies, and the overall financial health of the Fund.
As you elect representatives in your municipalities, it is vital that those nominated and
elected meet the eligibility criteria and possess the integrity, knowledge, and
commitment needed to safeguard the Fund. Remember — strong leadership equals stronger protection of member interests.
Important Notice: Registration of Customary Marriages
The RCMA (Recognition of Customary Marriages Act of 2000), which was promulgated on 15 November 2000, places a duty on the spouses of a customary marriage to ensure registration of their marriage. Marriages concluded before 15 November 2000 had to be
registered within a year after the new law, which came into effect in November 2000.
Marriages entered into after 15 November 2000 had to be registered within 3 months
after the date of marriage.
It has been observed that several members are customarily married but have not yet registered their marriages with the Department of Home Affairs. While the Fund
acknowledges and respects cultural practices such as the payment of lobola and
traditional ceremonies, it is important to register your union for both legal recognition and benefit processing.
To ensure full legal recognition and protect your spouse’s rights, members are
encouraged to register their customary marriages in accordance with the Recognition of Customary Marriages Act. Once registered, members are required to submit proof of
marriage to the Fund no later than 30 January 2026.
Failure to register and provide proof of marriage by this date may result in your spouse’s
struggling to receive their widow/widower benefit. An unregistered marriage has an
ambiguous legal status, which means the Fund will not be able to recognize the unregistered spouse as a legal beneficiary.
Protect your family in the event of death or funeral claims. We encourage you to register your marriage to ensure seamless processing of your death benefits in the unlikely event of your passing.
Funeral Benefit Coverage
The funeral benefit is a free benefit provided to all members of the Fund. It is important to understand who qualifies for coverage under this benefit.
Covered Individuals:
·The member
·Spouse (must be legally registered)
·Children under the age of 21 years
·Biological parents and parents-in-law Only.
Note that uncles, siblings, grandparents, grandchildren, or cousins are not covered by the funeral benefit.
Members who wish to ensure their eligible dependents are covered must complete and
submit the Family Funeral Cover Form to the Fund. Coverage is not automatic for
dependants and extended family members; only the member is covered automatically.
Strengthening Member Communication
Effective communication between MEPF and its members is a top priority.
To achieve a world-class service experience, MEPF calls on all Stakeholder Relations
Officers, HR Officials, newly appointed Member Representatives, Alternates, and Working Committees to work collaboratively in ensuring that information flows seamlessly to every member.
Together, we can bridge the gap, enhance trust, and empower every member with the knowledge they deserve about their Fund and benefits.
Member Education: Pre-Retirement Sessions
These sessions help members understand their benefits, options, and the retirement
process in detail.
We strongly encourage all members aged 55 to 64 to contact our Stakeholder Relations Officers and schedule a personal pre-retirement counselling session.
Your future deserves preparation — start planning today.
Your 2025 Benefit Statements Are Available!
Members can now access their 2025 MEPF Benefit Statements.
Download the MEPF Mobile App and register to view your statement instantly.
Alternatively, you may email: pension@mepf.co.za
Or contact your Stakeholder Relations Officer for assistance.
In addition, our Stakeholder Relations Team will be visiting municipalities to personally
deliver benefit statements and assist members with any related queries. This ensures that every member has direct access to their benefit statement and a clear understanding of
their benefits.
Stay informed, stay empowered.
Massive Milestone!
We are thrilled to announce that MEPF has reached over R32 billion mark in Asset Value!
This remarkable achievement reflects the Fund’s continued growth under the administration of Akani Retirement Fund Administrators, sound financial management,
and investment excellence. As we celebrate this success, we reaffirm our dedication to
protecting your investments and securing your financial future.
Together, we are building a stronger, more resilient Fund for all.
MEPF Benefits and Their Calculation
Resignation
Ill Health
Death Benefit
Retirement benefit
Municipality Wellness Events
In this issue we would like to pay special attention on Municipality Wellness Events. These events allow us to engage with our members on a one-on-one basis, where members can consult with our Stakeholder Relations Officers in a more personal setting compared to Member Meetings.
We call on municipalities’ HR or Wellness Managers to invite us to attend their wellness
events so that we can continue engaging directly with members and provide support on Fund-related matters.
Some of the Wellness Events we have attended recently include:
Tshwane Occupational Health and Safety Week:
Members downloading the MEPF App
Nkangala District Games hosted by Thembisile Hani Local Municipality
MEPF Communication Channels
As a pension fund, it is very important that we have effective communication with our members. We have various methods of communicating with our members, which include, but are not limited to:
- WhatsApp-Channel: (https://whatsapp.com/channel/0029VaKhxlh5PO0yez3wLR2C)
- WhatsApp Talk line: (+27 860 017 410)
- MEPF Website: (https://mepf.co.za)
- Member Meetings (hosted by our Stakeholder Relations Officer)
- SMS’s, Emails: (pension@mepf.co.za), Calls (+27 11 578 5333) and
- Municipality Wellnesses
Testimonials
“Good day, MEPF Team
I started working in 1989 at Verwoerdburg Town Council (VTC), which changed to
Centurion Town Council (CTC) then in 2001, we merged with the City of Tshwane Metropolitan Municipality.
I retired in March 2015 from MEPF. When I retired, I got paid a lump sum, which they said was a gratuity. I used that gratuity to build my family a home and buy a car. Since 2015, I have been earning monthly without fail, and I get paid a bonus every November. I have also received increases in my salary.
I would encourage new employees to join MEPF as they have kept to their promise; by paying me on time always for the past ten years, and my wife and I are still covered by their funeral cover. I also visited their offices to update my details for the funeral benefit
after receiving an SMS to do so.”
M.I. Mokhosi. (City of Tshwane Metropolitan Municipality)
Closing Note – Thank You to All Our Stakeholders
As we wrap up this edition, the Municipal Employees Pension Fund (MEPF) extends
heartfelt gratitude to all our stakeholders— from our members, municipalities, and HR officials, and Member Representatives to our Board of Trustees, service providers, and dedicated staff.
Your unwavering support, collaboration, and commitment continue to drive the Fund’s success and sustainability. Together, we are building a pension fund that not only delivers value but also stands as a pillar of trust, transparency, and financial security for all local
government employees.
Let’s continue to engage, educate, and empower one another — because when we work together, the Fund grows stronger.
Thank you for being an integral part of the MEPF family.
Our Stakeholder Relations Officers are always ready to assist:
1.Lebo Molemane – 066 020 8535 (North-West, Mpumalanga, Gauteng)
2.Gudani Mufhadi – 072 352 7144 (Free State, Limpopo, Mpumalanga, North-West)
3.Thulani Mthombeni – 082 585 5931 (Gauteng, KZN, Northern Cape, Eastern Cape)
4.Wisani Shiviti – 072 352 6894 (Limpopo, Mpumalanga, Gauteng)
Regards,
Municipal Employees Pension Fund Your Number 1 Pension Fund
SUBSCRIBE to our NEWSLETTER below.
The Fund is administered by Akani Retirement Fund Administrators (Pty) Ltd.
© Copyright