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GENERAL RULES
OF THE
DYNAM-IQUE SA UMBRELLA PROVIDENT FUND
It was hereby resolved at a meeting of the Board of Trustees held at
________________ on ___________________ that:
1. the Dynam-ique SA Umbrella Provident Fund (the “Fund”) be established with
effect from 1 August 2005
2. the attached General Rules are the General Rules of the Fund
3. the General Rules be read in conjunction with the Unique Rules issued in
respect of each Participating Employer
4. the Fund is exempt from the requirement for Actuarial Valuation in terms of
Sections 9A and 16 of the Act and has been certified as such by a Valuator.
It is certified by the Board of Trustees that the attached General Rules are effective
from 1 August 2005.
Signed:
…………………………………………. …………………………..
CHAIRMAN OF TRUSTEES DATE
…………………………………………. …………………………..
TRUSTEE DATE
……………………………………….... …………………………..
PRINCIPAL OFFICER DATE
……………………………………….... …………………………..
ADMINISTRATOR DATE
GENERAL RULES
OF THE
DYNAM-IQUE SA UMBRELLA PROVIDENT FUND
These General Rules should be read in conjunction with the UNIQUE RULES
applicable to each PARTICIPATING EMPLOYER.
TABLE OF CONTENTS
PAGE
SECTION 1: ESTABLISHMENT 1
SECTION 2: DEFINITIONS 2 - 5
SECTION 3: MANAGEMENT OF THE FUND 6 - 11
SECTION 4: MEMBERSHIP 12 - 12
SECTION 5: CONTRIBUTIONS 13 - 15
SECTION 6: BENEFITS ON EXIT 16 - 17
SECTION 7: MISCELLANEOUS PROVISIONS 18 - 23
SECTION 1 - ESTABLISHMENT
1
1.1 CONSTITUTION
The FUND is established with effect from the COMMENCEMENT DATE. The
FUND is an umbrella fund open to any EMPLOYER.
1.2 OBJECTIVE
The objectives of the FUND are to provide benefits for MEMBERS, former
MEMBERS and their BENEFICIARIES as described in the RULES.
1.3 LEGAL STATUS
Upon registration in terms of the ACT, the FUND shall become a separate legal
entity, distinct from its MEMBERS and shall be capable in law, in its own name,
of suing and of being sued.
1.4 REGISTERED OFFICE
The registered office of the FUND shall be situated at the Head Office of
Dynam-ique SA Consultants and Actuaries (Pty) Ltd, Third Floor North Wing,
Oakhurst, 11 St Andrews Road, Parktown, 2193.
SECTION 2 - DEFINITIONS
2
In these RULES, all terms and expressions signifying the singular shall include the
plural, all expressions implying the masculine gender shall include the feminine and the
following terms and expressions shall have the following meanings:
"ACT" shall mean the Pension Funds Act of 1956, as amended
from time to time, or any replacement thereof.
"ADJUDICATOR" shall mean the Pension Funds Adjudicator appointed in
terms of Section 30 (C) of the Act.
"ADMINISTRATOR" shall mean Dynam-ique SA Consultants and Actuaries
(Pty) Ltd.
"APPROVED FUND" shall mean a pension, provident or retirement annuity fund
approved in terms of the Income Tax Act, No. 58 of 1962,
as amended. Where such an APPROVED FUND is
recognized as a Preservation Fund as envisaged in
Circular RF 1/98 issued by the Commissioner, any transfer
to such Fund in terms of these RULES shall be subject to
the provisions of such Circular or any substitution thereof.
"AUDITOR" shall mean an auditor registered under the Public
Accountant and Auditors Act of 1951 as amended.
"BENEFICIARY" shall mean a MEMBER, a DEPENDANT or a designated
nominee who is entitled to a benefit in terms of these
RULES.
"BOARD OF TRUSTEES" shall mean the body of persons as established in terms of
these RULES to manage the business of the FUND.
"COMMENCEMENT
DATE"
shall mean 1 August 2005.
"COMMISSIONER" shall mean the Commissioner for Inland Revenue.
SECTION 2 - DEFINITIONS
(CONTINUED)
3
"DEFERRED MEMBER" shall mean a MEMBER who has reached NORMAL
RETIREMENT DATE and has elected with the consent of
his EMPLOYER to defer his retirement.
"DEPENDANT" in relation to a MEMBER shall mean the person or
persons defined as DEPENDANT in terms of the
provisions of the ACT.
"ELIGIBLE EMPLOYEE" shall mean an EMPLOYEE who satisfies the conditions of
eligibility as set out in the UNIQUE RULES applicable to his
EMPLOYER.
"EMPLOYEE" shall mean a person in the full-time permanent service of an
EMPLOYER including a full-time working Director/Member
of a Close Corporation. "Full-time" shall mean performing
normal duties for at least 60% of his EMPLOYER'S normal
working day.
"EMPLOYER" shall mean each employer which the BOARD OF
TRUSTEES agrees to admit as an EMPLOYER from time to
time. In relation to any particular EMPLOYEE the word
"EMPLOYER" shall mean that EMPLOYER by whom the
EMPLOYEE is employed.
"ENTRY DATE" shall mean the first day of the month coincident with or
immediately following an EMPLOYEE becoming an
ELIGIBLE EMPLOYEE, or such other date as agreed
between the EMPLOYER and the ADMINISTRATOR.
"FINANCIAL YEAR" shall mean the 12 months ending 28 February each year.
"FUND" shall mean the FUND governed by these Rules.
SECTION 2 - DEFINITIONS
(CONTINUED)
4
"FUND SALARY" shall mean a MEMBER'S basic salary or wages and such
other emoluments as the EMPLOYER shall decide, which
FUND SALARY shall be utilised, where appropriate, to
determine contributions and benefits as provided for in
these RULES.
Any change in FUND SALARY shall, for purposes of these
RULES, take effect on the first day of the month coincident
with or immediately following the change or such other date
as agreed in writing between the EMPLOYER and the
ADMINISTRATOR.
Where a reduction in a MEMBER'S FUND SALARY occurs,
the MEMBER may, with the consent of the EMPLOYER,
decide that no account shall be taken of such reduction. In
this event all contributions and benefits shall be determined
in accordance with the FUND SALARY immediately
preceding the reduction.
"INSURER" shall mean a registered insurer in its capacity as insurer of
certain benefits afforded in terms of these RULES.
"INSURED BENEFITS" shall mean any benefits afforded in terms of these RULES,
for which the FUND has fully secured insurance cover in
terms of policies of insurance with the INSURER.
"MEMBER" shall mean any person who is admitted to membership of
the FUND in accordance with the RULES and shall include
any such person as long as he is prospectively entitled to a
benefit from the FUND and which shall include a
DEFERRED MEMBER.
SECTION 2 - DEFINITIONS
(CONTINUED)
5
"NORMAL RETIREMENT
DATE"
shall mean the first day of the month coincident with or next
following the date on which a MEMBER attains the normal
retirement age as set out in the UNIQUE RULES applicable
to his EMPLOYER.
“PARTICIPATION DATE” shall mean the date on which an EMPLOYER first
participates in the FUND.
"REGISTRAR" shall mean the Registrar as defined in the ACT.
"RULES"
shall mean these RULES and any amendments thereto.
“SHARE OF FUND” shall mean in respect of a MEMBER at any time the
accumulated value of all money paid into the FUND on
behalf of the MEMBER net of any expenses together with
the net investment returns earned by the FUND on the
assets attributable to the MEMBER up to that point in time.
“UNIQUE RULES” shall mean the UNIQUE RULES attached to and forming
part of these RULES in terms of which the EMPLOYER
has elected to participate in this FUND.
SECTION 3 - MANAGEMENT OF THE FUND
6
3.1 COMPOSITION OF BOARD OF TRUSTEES
3.1.1 The FUND shall be managed by a BOARD OF TRUSTEES which shall
perform the executive functions of the FUND, as provided for in these
RULES.
3.1.2 The BOARD OF TRUSTEES shall consist of four persons.
3.1.3 The members of the BOARD OF TRUSTEES shall be appointed by the
ADMINISTRATOR however at least two of the members should be
independent of the ADMINISTRATOR.
3.1.4 Any member of the BOARD OF TRUSTEES shall cease to hold office if:
3.1.4.1 he becomes insane, incompetent or otherwise incapable of
acting; or
3.1.4.2 his estate is sequestrated or surrendered or assigned for the
benefit of his creditors; or
3.1.4.3 he is convicted in the Republic or elsewhere of theft, fraud,
forgery or uttering of a forged document or perjury; or
3.1.4.4 he is removed by a competent court from any office of trust on
account of misconduct; or
3.1.4.5 he is convicted of any offence and sentenced to imprisonment
without the option of a fine; or
3.1.4.6 he resigns from the BOARD OF TRUSTEES.
SECTION 3 - MANAGEMENT OF THE FUND
(CONTINUED)
7
3.2 POWERS AND DUTIES
3.2.1 The BOARD OF TRUSTEES shall have the power to effect contracts
with registered providers for the purposes of investing the FUND'S
moneys in order to meet the cost of providing benefits or for the purpose
of insuring benefits provided by the FUND, in terms of these RULES.
3.2.2 The BOARD OF TRUSTEES shall have the power to transfer the assets
and liabilities of the FUND or a portion thereof to another registered and
approved pension, provident or retirement annuity fund and to take
transfer of the assets and liabilities or portions thereof from another
registered and approved pension or provident fund as the REGISTRAR
and COMMISSIONER may allow.
3.2.3 The BOARD OF TRUSTEES shall have the power to furnish a
guarantee in respect of a loan for housing purposes provided by some
other person to a MEMBER as referred to in Section 19(5)(a) (or any
equivalent future provision) of the ACT. Such guarantee shall be
subject to the requirements of the ACT.
3.2.4 The BOARD OF TRUSTEES shall authorise at least two persons to sign
any agreement which is binding on the FUND; provided that any
documents to be deposited with the REGISTRAR shall be signed as
prescribed in the regulations to the ACT.
3.2.5 The BOARD OF TRUSTEES shall have the power, in the name of the
FUND, to enter into contracts on behalf of the FUND and to institute,
conduct, defend, compound or abandon any legal proceedings by or
against the FUND.
3.2.6 The BOARD OF TRUSTEES shall authorise the ADMINISTRATOR to
open a bank account in the name of the FUND. All monies received on
behalf of the FUND shall be deposited therein and all monies payable
by the FUND shall be paid therefrom.
SECTION 3 - MANAGEMENT OF THE FUND
(CONTINUED)
8
3.2.7 The BOARD OF TRUSTEES shall have the power to do all such other
acts or things as are, in its opinion, conducive to the attainment of the
objectives of the FUND.
3.3 OPERATIONAL PROCEDURES
3.3.1 The BOARD OF TRUSTEES shall meet to conduct the business of the
FUND at least once every six months.
3.3.2 Special meetings may be called at any time provided 2 or more
members submit a petition outlining the agenda for such a special
meeting to the BOARD OF TRUSTEES.
3.3.3 The chairperson shall give the BOARD OF TRUSTEES 21 calendar
days’ notice, or such shorter period as the BOARD OF TRUSTEES may
agree, in writing of a meeting set out in Clauses 3.3.1 or 3.3.2.
3.3.4 A chairperson shall be elected by the BOARD OF TRUSTEES on an
annual basis for a term of office of 1 year and the position shall alternate
annually between the members of the BOARD OF TRUSTEES provided
that if that person is absent, the remaining members may elect a
chairperson for the purposes of that meeting from among themselves.
3.3.5 The chairperson may be removed by the BOARD OF TRUSTEES at
any time.
3.3.6 All the members of the BOARD OF TRUSTEES shall form a quorum.
3.3.7 Each member of the BOARD OF TRUSTEES present at the meeting
shall have one vote.
3.3.8 The decision of the majority of the members shall be binding.
3.3.9 Proxy votes shall be allowed provided that the chairperson is notified at
least 5 working days before the meeting.
SECTION 3 - MANAGEMENT OF THE FUND
(CONTINUED)
9
3.3.10 The voting shall be done either by secret ballot or by a show of hands or
as otherwise decided by the chairperson.
3.3.11 A resolution in writing signed by all the members shall be of the same
force and effect as a resolution passed at a BOARD OF TRUSTEES
meeting.
3.3.12 Should the members fail to reach a majority decision at the meeting,
then the matter can be carried forward to the next meeting. Alternatively
the matter may be referred to mediation and then if necessary to
arbitration.
3.4 INDEMNIFICATION
In the interpretation of the RULES, or in the performance of any duties laid upon them
by the RULES, the BOARD OF TRUSTEES and any person to whom they have
delegated any of their functions, shall not be liable for any damages whatsoever and by
whomsoever suffered, except as a result of a breach of trust knowingly or intentionally
committed by them. The BOARD OF TRUSTEES shall ensure that the FUND and the
BOARD OF TRUSTEES are duly protected through appropriate fidelity insurance cover
against any loss resulting from the dishonesty or fraud of any of its officers.
3.5 APPOINTMENT OF PRINCIPAL OFFICER AND AUDITOR
3.5.1 The BOARD OF TRUSTEES shall appoint a Principal Officer and, if
deemed necessary, any other staff, subject to such terms and
conditions as it may determine. Any such appointment may
subsequently be changed by the BOARD OF TRUSTEES at its sole
discretion. The ADMINISTRATOR shall inform the REGISTRAR of the
name and address of the Principal Officer from time to time.
3.5.2 The BOARD OF TRUSTEES shall appoint an AUDITOR whom shall
audit the fund at the end of each FINANCIAL YEAR with such audit
being lodged with the REGISTRAR within six months after the end of
the FINANCIAL YEAR.
SECTION 3 - MANAGEMENT OF THE FUND
(CONTINUED)
10
3.6 AMENDMENTS TO THE RULES
The BOARD OF TRUSTEES, with the concurrence of the ADMINISTRATOR, may
amend the RULES subject to the approval of the REGISTRAR and the
COMMISSIONER.
3.7 EXPENSES
Except where otherwise provided, all the reasonable expenses in connection with or
incidental to the management or administration of the FUND and the investment of the
FUND’S assets, shall be levied by the ADMINISTRATOR against the participating
EMPLOYERS and/ or their MEMBERS in a manner deemed to be fair and equitable by
the ADMINISTRATOR and/or the BOARD OF TRUSTEES.
3.8 RIGHT TO OBTAIN INFORMATION
Every MEMBER shall be entitled, on reasonable demand, to inspect and make copies
of these RULES and such other documents as the ACT provides for. These copies
may be obtained from the registered office of the FUND
3.9 REMUNERATION OF TRUSTEES
The members of the BOARD OF TRUSTEES who are independent of the
ADMINISTRATOR may receive remuneration for their services. The amount of any
remuneration shall be agreed between then BOARD OF TRUSTEES and the
ADMINISTRATOR.
3.10 DISINVESTMENT OF SHARE OF FUND ON EXIT
On the later of a MEMBER’S exit date and the date that the ADMINISTRATOR
receives notification of the MEMBER’S exit, the ADMINISTRATOR will as soon as is
practically possible disinvest the MEMBER’S SHARE OF FUND out of the investment
portfolios in which it is invested and hold the money in the FUND’s bank account
pending payment to the MEMBER.
SECTION 3 - MANAGEMENT OF THE FUND
(CONTINUED)
11
3.11 KEEPING OF RECORDS
The BOARD OF TRUSTEES shall ensure that complete records and registers are kept
of all the necessary particulars of MEMBERS and any other persons entitled to benefits
and of all other matters essential to the efficient administration of the FUND.
3.12 SAFE CUSTODY OF DOCUMENTS
All documents belonging to or held by the FUND shall unless temporarily held in
custody by others for the purposes of the FUND, be stored in safe custody at the
registered office of the FUND or with any registered financial institution approved by
the REGISTRAR.
SECTION 4 - MEMBERSHIP
12
4.1 ELIGIBILITY AND PARTICIPATION
4.1.1 An ELIGIBLE EMPLOYEE at the PARTICIPATION DATE, where there
was no previous fund, may choose to join the FUND within 12 months of
that date. Any option in terms of this clause shall, once exercised, be
irreversible. If such ELIGIBLE EMPLOYEE fails to join the FUND within
12 months of the PARTICIPATION DATE such ELIGIBLE EMPLOYEE
shall not be entitled to become a MEMBER at a later date.
4.1.2 An EMPLOYEE, who at the PARTICIPATION DATE is not an ELIGIBLE
EMPLOYEE, may choose to join the FUND on the ENTRY DATE
coincident with or next following the date on which he becomes an
ELIGIBLE EMPLOYEE. If he fails to join the FUND on that date he shall
not be entitled to become a MEMBER at a later date.
4.1.3 Any person who is employed by an EMPLOYER after the
PARTICIPATION DATE must, as a condition of employment, join the
FUND, on the ENTRY DATE coincident with or next following the date
on which he first becomes an ELIGIBLE EMPLOYEE, and must remain
a MEMBER of the FUND whilst he remains an ELIGIBLE EMPLOYEE.
4.1.4 All MEMBERS shall be bound by these RULES and it shall be deemed
that MEMBERS have given permission to their EMPLOYER to deduct
from their remuneration any contributions that are payable by them.
4.1.5 An EMPLOYER shall ensure that all ELIGIBLE EMPLOYEES are
admitted as MEMBERS of the FUND. Relevant details of every
ELIGIBLE EMPLOYEE shall be provided in the manner prescribed by
the ADMINISTRATOR.
4.2 TERMINATION OF MEMBERSHIP
A MEMBER shall cease to be a MEMBER when they leave the service of an
EMPLOYER unless they remain entitled to a benefit in terms of these RULES.
SECTION 5 – CONTRIBUTIONS
13
5.1 MEMBER'S CONTRIBUTIONS
5.1.1 A MEMBER shall contribute at the rate as set out in the UNIQUE
RULES applicable to his EMPLOYER.
5.1.2 Subject to the agreement of the EMPLOYER and the
ADMINISTRATOR, a MEMBER shall be permitted to make additional
contributions within the limits allowed by the COMMISSIONER. These
contributions, net of any expenses, will be added to the MEMBER’S
SHARE OF FUND.
5.2 EMPLOYER'S CONTRIBUTIONS
5.2.1 The EMPLOYER shall contribute in respect of each MEMBER at the
rate as set out in the UNIQUE RULES applicable to such EMPLOYER.
5.2.2 In addition to the contributions referred to in 5.2.1 and subject to the
COMMISSIONER being advised, an EMPLOYER may from time to time
make additional contributions to the FUND in respect of a MEMBER or
category of MEMBER.
5.3 TEMPORARY ABSENCE
5.3.1 Contributions in respect of a MEMBER temporarily absent from work
may, subject to the consent of the EMPLOYER, be suspended during
his absence for a period not exceeding 12 consecutive months. Such
temporary absence and suspension of contributions shall be notified in
writing to the ADMINISTRATOR by the EMPLOYER prior to the
commencement of the period of absence. Where the period of absence
exceeds 12 months, the MEMBER shall be deemed to no longer be a
MEMBER on the expiry of the 12 month period unless the EMPLOYER
has requested an extension of the period and such extension has been
agreed to by the ADMINISTRATOR.
SECTION 5 – CONTRIBUTIONS
(CONTINUED)
14
5.3.2 Where the MEMBER is temporarily absent from work or temporarily
resident outside the Republic of South Africa, any INSURED BENEFITS
in respect of death and disability (if applicable), shall, subject to the
payment of any premiums and to any terms and conditions required by
the INSURER, be maintained unchanged for a period not exceeding 12
months unless written notification requesting a reduction is supplied to
the ADMINISTRATOR from the EMPLOYER before the commencement
of the period of absence.
5.3.3 Where the period of temporary absence or residence outside of the
Republic of South Africa exceeds 12 months, cover for the INSURED
BENEFITS will cease on the expiry of the 12 month period unless the
EMPLOYER has requested an extension of the period of 12 months and
the INSURER, at its sole discretion and on such terms and conditions
as it may impose, has agreed to such extension.
5.4 TRANSFERS AND AMALGAMATIONS
5.4.1 If any MEMBER is entitled to a benefit under any other APPROVED
FUND then (in accordance with the provisions of such APPROVED
FUND and at the written request of the MEMBER and subject to any
conditions imposed by the COMMISSIONER), the FUND may accept
any cash sum in respect of the MEMBER'S benefits there under subject
to a transfer in terms of Section 14(1) of the Act, where applicable, such
cash sum net of any expenses being paid into the MEMBER’S SHARE
OF FUND.
5.4.2 If a MEMBER ceases to be a MEMBER and becomes a member of any
other APPROVED FUND, then (in accordance with the provisions of
such APPROVED FUND and subject to any conditions imposed by the
COMMISSIONER), such amount as the MEMBER becomes entitled to
under Section 6 may, at the request of the MEMBER, be transferred to
such other APPROVED FUND in terms of Section 14(1) of the Act,
where applicable, for the benefit of the MEMBER.
SECTION 5 – CONTRIBUTIONS
(CONTINUED)
15
5.4.3 Subject to the provisions of these RULES, should the assets of any
other APPROVED FUND be amalgamated with the assets of this FUND
in respect of MEMBERS who were previously members of such other
APPROVED FUND, or the assets of this FUND be amalgamated with
the assets of any other APPROVED FUND in respect of members who
were MEMBERS of this FUND, then, subject to the approval of the
REGISTRAR in terms of Section 14 (1) of the ACT, the FUND may
receive or transfer the assets, as the case may be, in respect of such
MEMBERS affected by the amalgamation or reconstruction and apply
them in the manner described in the special report prepared by the
FUND when affecting such transfer.
5.5 PAYMENT OF CONTRIBUTIONS
5.5.1 The frequency of payment of contributions shall be monthly unless
otherwise specified in the UNIQUE RULES applicable to an
EMPLOYER.
5.5.2 Contributions shall be paid directly into the FUND’S bank account not
later than 7 days from due date or such other period as may be
determined by law from time to time.
SECTION 6 – BENEFITS ON EXIT
16
6.1 EXIT BENEFIT
6.1.1 Upon exit from the FUND, for whatever reason, the MEMBER shall be
paid the exit benefit described in the UNIQUE RULES applicable to his
EMPLOYER.
6.1.2 A MEMBER may, except in the case of retirement, elect that all or part
of his exit benefit be transferred to another APPROVED FUND.
6.1.3 A MEMBER cannot leave his exit benefit in the FUND as a paid-up
benefit.
6.2 DATE OF RETIREMENT
With the consent of his EMPLOYER, a MEMBER may retire from service at any time
during the ten year period preceding his NORMAL RETIREMENT DATE but not earlier
than age 55. A MEMBER who, as a result of ill-health, is unable to continue his work
may, with the consent of his EMPLOYER, retire from service at any time before his
NORMAL RETIREMENT DATE. A MEMBER who continues in the service of his
EMPLOYER after NORMAL RETIREMENT DATE, may, with the consent of his
EMPLOYER, choose to postpone his retirement up to a maximum of age 70.
6.3 ENHANCED BENEFIT
An EMPLOYER may increase a MEMBER'S exit benefit by means of a special
contribution, with the necessary consent of the COMMISSIONER if required.
6.4 PAYMENT OF RETIREMENT BENEFIT
6.4.1 A MEMBER’S retirement benefit shall be paid as one or more annuities,
provided that a portion of up to 100% may instead be taken as a lump
sum.
SECTION 6 – BENEFITS ON EXIT
(CONTINUED)
17
6.4.2 Once the annuity is purchased the FUND shall have no further
obligation of whatsoever nature towards the MEMBER or his
BENEFICIARIES, provided that such annuity complies with notice
G.N.18 issued by the COMMISSIONER or any replacement thereof.
6.5 PAYMENT OF DEATH BENEFIT
6.5.1 A MEMBER’S death benefit shall be paid as one or more annuities to
BENEFICIARIES, provided that all or portion of such benefit may
instead be taken as a cash lump sum, subject to the agreement of the
EMPLOYER.
6.5.2 The BOARD OF TRUSTEES will decide on the disposition of the death
benefit in terms of Section 37 (C) of the ACT
6.6 UNCLAIMED BENEFITS
If a MEMBER in terms of the RULES, other than on discontinuance of participation by
his EMPLOYER or termination of the FUND, does not claim moneys payable to him,
such moneys shall be dealt with either in terms of the ACT or in terms of any relevant
guidelines issued by the REGISTRAR or COMMISSIONER.
SECTION 7 – MISCELLANEOUS PROVISIONS
18
7.1 DEDUCTIONS ALLOWED FROM BENEFITS
7.1.1 If a MEMBER is indebted to his EMPLOYER or the FUND when a
benefit becomes payable, the EMPLOYER or the FUND, as the case
may be, shall have a first charge on such benefit to the extent of such
indebtedness if it is in respect of:
7.1.1.1 a loan granted by the EMPLOYER to enable the MEMBER to
obtain, alter, maintain or repair housing for the MEMBER and his
DEPENDANTS
7.1.1.2 a guarantee given by the EMPLOYER or the FUND to another
person who has granted the MEMBER a loan for the purpose set
out in 7.1.1.1 above, including legal costs in connection
therewith or
7.1.1.3 damage suffered by the EMPLOYER as a result of the
MEMBER'S theft, dishonesty, fraud or misconduct, provided the
liability to the EMPLOYER is either admitted by the MEMBER in
writing or the EMPLOYER has obtained a judgement against the
MEMBER.
7.1.2 Where the EMPLOYER or the FUND elects to recover the amount
owing, the deduction shall be made from the benefit payable to the
MEMBER or BENEFICIARY as the case may be. If the benefit payable
is insufficient to repay the debt then the whole of the benefit shall be
applied to reduce the debt.
7.2 TAXATION OF BENEFITS
Any tax due by a MEMBER to the COMMISSIONER or any other competent taxation
authority may be deducted from the benefit payable in respect of that MEMBER.
SECTION 7 – MISCELLANEOUS PROVISIONS
(CONTINUED)
19
7.3 MISSTATEMENT OF INFORMATION
7.3.1 Any contributions made in respect of an EMPLOYEE who is found not to
satisfy the conditions necessary to qualify as an ELIGIBLE EMPLOYEE,
shall be refunded by the ADMINISTRATOR, net of any expenses
incurred. Thereafter no further claims shall exist against the FUND in
respect of that EMPLOYEE unless he subsequently becomes a
MEMBER of the FUND.
7.3.2 On the discovery of any material misstatement or non-disclosure of
information, all benefits and contributions affected by such misstatement
or non-disclosure shall be appropriately adjusted as soon as is practical
after such discovery.
7.4 BINDING POWER OF RULES
The provisions of the RULES and any decision made thereunder by the BOARD OF
TRUSTEES shall be binding on the EMPLOYER, the MEMBERS, the FUND and its
officials and any person who institutes a claim against the FUND.
7.5 CHANGE OF OWNERSHIP
If any EMPLOYER is wound up for the purpose of reconstruction in a similar or
amended form, the reconstructed company or organisation shall have the right of
taking the place of the EMPLOYER, and, if it exercises such right, the FUND shall not
be affected except that "EMPLOYER" shall then mean the company or organisation as
reconstructed.
7.6 RIGHT TO NOMINATE BENEFICIARY
If a person otherwise entitled to benefits is a minor then the BOARD OF TRUSTEES
may instruct the ADMINISTRATOR to pay the benefits wholly or partly to the guardian
of the BENEFICIARY as they deem fit, including to trustees acting in terms of a trust
established for the benefit of the BENEFICIARY.
SECTION 7 – MISCELLANEOUS PROVISIONS
(CONTINUED)
20
7.7 CURRENCY
Contributions and benefits are payable in the currency of the Republic of South Africa.
7.8 INTERPRETATION OF THE RULES
The decision of the BOARD OF TRUSTEES as to the meaning of or interpretation of
these RULES or of any particular RULE or part thereof, shall be final and binding on
the MEMBERS, or former MEMBERS, their DEPENDANTS, heirs, legal
representatives or assigns, provided always, that the decision is not inconsistent with
the provisions of these RULES and provided further, that such a decision shall not be
construed as increasing the liability of the INSURER.
7.9 DISPUTES
Any question which may arise with regard to the administration of the FUND by any
person who is or was a MEMBER or his DEPENDANTS or legal representative shall
be decided by the BOARD OF TRUSTEES. The relevant party shall address the
question in writing, stating the basis on which the question is founded, to the BOARD
OF TRUSTEES for a decision. The BOARD OF TRUSTEES shall consider and decide
upon such question and respond to the party, in writing, within 30 days of receipt of the
question. A party affected by a decision of the BOARD OF TRUSTEES, who is
dissatisfied with the decision, or if no decision is made, or if the decision is not
communicated to the party after 30 days from the receipt of the question, may lodge a
complaint with the ADJUDICATOR. The ADJUDICATOR shall record, deal with and
dispose of such complaint in the manner described in Section 30 of the ACT. A
decision of the ADJUDICATOR shall be binding on all affected parties.
SECTION 7 – MISCELLANEOUS PROVISIONS
(CONTINUED)
21
7.10 DISCONTINUANCE OF A PARTICIPATING EMPLOYER
7.10.1 An EMPLOYER, may subject to giving three months notice, discontinue
paying contributions to the FUND at any time. Discontinuance shall in
no way prejudice benefits already being paid in accordance with the
RULES at the date of discontinuance or any claims already submitted
prior to the date of discontinuance. No EMPLOYEES of that
EMPLOYER shall become eligible to join the FUND on or after the date
of discontinuance and contributions and INSURED BENEFITS, if any,
shall cease at that date.
7.10.2 Discontinuance shall take place when the EMPLOYER discontinues
payment of contributions to the FUND, or is being liquidated or placed
under judicial management.
7.10.3 On discontinuance, the EMPLOYER, in conjunction with the BOARD OF
TRUSTEES, must transfer the assets and liabilities under the FUND to
another APPROVED FUND in which case MEMBERS then in his
employment shall become members of such other APPROVED FUND.
The ADMINISTRATOR shall transfer, subject to any relevant legislation
in force at the time, an amount equal to the value of each MEMBER'S
SHARE OF FUND at the date of discontinuance. Such transfer shall
constitute a complete discharge of the BOARD OF TRUSTEES'S
liability to the FUND in respect of MEMBERS for whom such transfer is
made.
7.10.4 If, on discontinuance, the provisions of clause 7.10.3 are not applied, an
independent person shall, subject to the approval of the REGISTRAR,
be appointed by the BOARD OF TRUSTEES to act as liquidator of that
EMPLOYER’S participation in the FUND. The liquidator shall ensure
that all EMPLOYEES of that EMPLOYER cease to be MEMBERS and
see to the payment of the SHARE OF FUND of all the MEMBERS
employed or previously employed by that EMPLOYER.
SECTION 7 – MISCELLANEOUS PROVISIONS
(CONTINUED)
22
7.10.5 Any moneys payable in terms of Clause 7.10.4 above, which remain
unclaimed after a period of 6 months from the date payments
commence, shall at the discretion of the liquidator be held in another
suitable fund for the benefit of the MEMBER.
7.11 TERMINATION OF THE FUND
7.11.1 If the FUND is to be terminated, an independent person shall, subject to
the approval of the REGISTRAR, be appointed by the BOARD OF
TRUSTEES to act as liquidator of the FUND.
7.11.2 The BOARD OF TRUSTEES, on giving 3 months' notice in writing to
each EMPLOYER participating in the FUND, reserves the right, with the
approval of the ADMINISTRATOR, to discontinue the FUND at any time
after the COMMENCEMENT DATE, in which case monies within the
FUND in respect of each EMPLOYER shall be dealt with in a manner as
described in the liquidator's scheme of arrangement for the termination
of the FUND as approved by the REGISTRAR.
7.11.3 If the FUND should be liquidated by a court of law, the liquidation of the
FUND shall be effected in accordance with Section 29 of the ACT (or
the equivalent provision in any substituted legislation).
7.11.4 If the FUND is to be amalgamated with the business of any other fund,
then, subject to compliance with the requirements of the ACT, the FUND
shall request the REGISTRAR to cancel the registration of the FUND as
provided for in the ACT.
7.11.5 Any moneys payable on termination of the FUND which remain
unclaimed shall be paid to the Guardian Fund.
SECTION 7 – MISCELLANEOUS PROVISIONS
(CONTINUED)
23
7.12 LIMITATION
The provision of any INSURED BENEFITS provided for in these RULES shall be
subject to the FUND being able to secure adequate insurance policies for such benefits
and shall furthermore be subject to the exclusions, restrictions and insurability
requirements as may be imposed by the INSURER.
7.13 INALIENABILITY
No benefit or right to a benefit provided for in the RULES, or right in respect of
contributions made by or on behalf of a MEMBER, shall be capable of being reduced,
transferred, ceded, pledged or hypothecated or be liable to attachment or subject to
any form of execution under a judgement or order of court, or be capable of being
taken into account, in the determination of a judgement debtor's financial position,
except to the extent permitted by law.