Discovery Retirement Funds – Months of Delays, Poor Communication and Contradictory Information

Title: Discovery Retirement Funds – Months of Delays, Poor Communication and Contradictory Information

I am extremely disappointed with the service I have received from Discovery Retirement Funds regarding my withdrawal claim.

I resigned from Ikeja Wireless on 24 April 2026 and have been trying to access my retirement fund benefits ever since. Despite numerous follow-ups, I have had to do all the chasing myself, while Discovery has failed to provide consistent communication or meaningful updates.

On 30 April 2026, Discovery confirmed that my claim was being processed and that my information was being verified. Later that same day, they confirmed that my bank account and identity verification had been completed.

On 5 May 2026, I was informed that the disinvestment of my retirement savings had been finalized and that Discovery would apply for a SARS tax directive.

On 7 May 2026, Discovery sent me a Payment Confirmation Letter stating that my savings component withdrawal payment had been finalized. Naturally, I expected payment to follow shortly thereafter.

Instead, weeks passed with no payment and no communication.

I repeatedly contacted Discovery for updates. During this period, I spoke with consultants including Dean (or Daniel) and Keabetswe Nchabeleng. I was promised updates and emails that never arrived. I also sent follow-up emails that went unanswered.

On 5 June 2026, I emailed Discovery requesting an update on my claim status, outstanding requirements and expected payment date. I received no meaningful response.

Then, on 11 June 2026, more than a month after sending me a payment confirmation letter, Discovery informed me that there had been an "oversight" and that I had supposedly selected a paid-up member option. They requested that I choose a payment option again.

I immediately responded on 12 June 2026, selecting Option 1 and requesting that my claim be processed urgently. Discovery acknowledged receipt and later confirmed that they had received my payment option and were continuing with the processing of my claim.

To this day, I still have no payment date, no proper explanation for the contradictory information I received, and no accountability for the delays.

My biggest concern is not only the delay itself but the poor communication throughout the process. I have had to call repeatedly, follow up constantly, and chase updates on funds that I contributed to during my employment. It should not be this difficult to obtain information about my own retirement benefit.

I am requesting:

1. A clear explanation for the conflicting information provided by Discovery. 2. A detailed status update on my claim. 3. A confirmed payment date. 4. Accountability for the lack of communication and service I have experienced.

I hope Discovery Retirement Funds will finally address this matter and provide the service and communication that members deserve.