For four decades, SuperFund has continuously evolved to meet the changing needs of South African workers – and the journey is far from over. Our goal is to ensure that every member feels valued, informed and empowered, and we are working on numerous enhancements for employers, intermediaries and members alike. Here’s a closer look at what we’ve achieved this year, and the exciting developments planned for 2026 and beyond.

Looking back on 2025

This year has been one of transformation and laying strong foundations for the future. Our efforts focused on enhancing member experience, improving digital engagement, and ensuring the fund’s sustainability in a changing regulatory environment. Key achievements include:

• MyClaims On Behalf Of (OBO) process: To streamline claims, intermediaries and employers can now assist members by submitting claims on their behalf, making the process faster and more user-friendly.
• Launch of the Living Annuity: We introduced the Old Mutual SuperFund Living Annuity, giving members more flexibility with their income and ensuring sustainability in their retirement.
• Expanded investment options: We are partnering with Old Mutual’s Wealth business to broaden access to a wide range of investment offerings.
• AI-Powered member support: Our AI chatbot, Thuso, went live on WhatsApp, providing instant answers to member queries. Work is underway to add voice capability, making the service even more accessible.
• Automated member support: We automated communications for key moments such as joining, exiting, and retiring from the fund. Members now receive personalised WhatsApp messages, including welcome packs, and retirement benefit and exit benefit counselling.
• Revised fee structure for individual members: For members who have chosen to preserve their benefits in the fund or deferred their retirement, we introduced an asset-based fee model with caps to balance affordability and sustainability.
• Governance and risk enhancements: A dedicated risk officer was appointed, and the governance framework was reviewed to strengthen controls and prepare for emerging risks, including cybersecurity threats.
• An improved intermediary experience: We began addressing pain points for intermediaries, developing new business management tools and improving automation to simplify administration.
• Member Assistance Programme contracting: We partnered with a service provider to offer members and their dependents holistic support – financial coaching, psychological counselling, and legal advice – which will be available soon.

In 2026 and beyond

While 2025 was about building foundations, the coming year will focus on expanding those gains and introducing new ways to add value. Our roadmap includes:

• Adviser fee remuneration at exit, and beyond: Starting in early 2026, advisers will be remunerated for supporting members not only during retirement, but also when they exit the fund, fostering ongoing advisory relationships.
• Consolidation of pension and provident funds: We plan to merge these funds to unlock economies of scale, simplify administration, and provide a more seamless experience for members.
• Launch of the Member Assistance Programme: From early 2026, this programme will provide financial, psychological, and legal support to members.
• Broader access for asset and employee benefit consultants: We will open the fund to more consulting professionals, to enhance advice and support for employers and members.
• “Moments That Matter” personalised messaging: Members will receive automated WhatsApp communications marking key milestones such as birthdays and salary increases, deepening engagement.
• Advanced AI and voice integration: Voice-enabled Thuso and further AI-powered tools will be rolled out to make member support even more accessible and intuitive.
• Preparation for new legislation (COFI Bill): We’re proactively adapting our systems and processes to comply with upcoming retirement fund legislation, ensuring our members stay protected.

Look out for these and other enhancements, or subscribe to our monthly newsletters for regular updates and insights.