Do Not Take Out a Policy with 21st Century Life – My Mother’s Claim Was Ignored

I am Dikeledi Tsela, writing on behalf of my mother, Ms. Dina Mmaphuthi Ramadimetja Tsela, a loyal 21st Century Life client since 2011. She took out a funeral policy for herself and our extended family and has never missed a single premium payment.

On Sunday, 2 November 2025, my mother’s sister sadly passed away in Limpopo. The next day, 3 November, my mother went to the Pretoria Central branch, where Ms. Zanele helped her lodge the funeral claim. On 4 November, she emailed all supporting documents as requested, and Ms. Christine from the claims department was assigned to assist.

Despite several follow-ups, no progress was made. By Friday, 7 November, one day before the burial, the claim amount of R10,000 had still not been paid. I then intervened to follow up on her behalf. During a conference call with Christine and a Centurion payment department consultant, both my mother’s and my late aunt’s ID numbers were checked, but the consultant claimed no policy existed under either ID.

Christine tried to escalate the issue but got no response. Around 14:00, she told me my mother should make alternative arrangements because she couldn’t get any progress. I later called Zanele, who was extremely rude, dismissive, and hung up while we were mourning.

As a result, my aunt was buried on 8 November 2025 without any financial support from 21st Century Life , despite years of faithful premium payments.

To this day, no one from 21st Century Life has contacted my mother, and she has received no payment, no explanation, and no apology.

This company has shown a complete lack of empathy and professionalism. Please think twice before taking out any policy with 21st Century Life. They will take your money for years and disappear when you need them most.

Reported by: Dikeledi Tsela (Daughter) On behalf of Ms. Dina Mmaphuthi Ramadimetja Tsela