MultiChoice's BBBEE scheme seeks shareholders with outstanding dividend payments

Phuthuma Nathi, MultiChoice South Africa’s broad-based black economic empowerment (BBBEE) share scheme, has urged shareholders and families of deceased shareholders to come forward and claim dividends that remain unpaid.

According to the scheme, since 2020, it has run an annual national campaign to trace shareholders with unclaimed dividends dating back to 2006. These efforts have already resulted in more than R125 million being paid out, yet over R270 million in dividends remain outstanding.

Phuthuma Nathi says it is committed to locating shareholders and ensuring that they receive what is rightfully theirs.

The scheme says unclaimed dividends are most often the result of shareholders failing to update their personal or banking details, or dividends being owed to the estates of deceased shareholders.

"Shareholders who have not received dividends between 2006 and 2025, or family members of deceased investors, are encouraged to contact the scheme through its call centre on 086 011 6226 (Monday to Friday, 7am–6 pm, excluding public holidays), via WhatsApp on 011 321 5400, or by email at phuthumanathi@singular.co.za," the scheme says.

To complete the claim process, shareholders or family members must undergo FICA verification, which requires proof of identity, an up-to-date bank statement or confirmation letter, and proof of address. Once verified, dividends are typically paid within three to five working days. The verification process is designed to ensure that funds are paid to the correct person, it says.

Established in 2006, Phuthuma Nathi says it has consistently paid dividends every year, with more than R19.2 billion distributed to date.

"The scheme has made a tangible difference in the lives of shareholders and their families, reinforcing its role as a cornerstone of financial empowerment in the country," it says.

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