Thousands of Namibians – and their families – could be missing out on money that’s rightfully theirs.
Why this matters now
Every year, millions of Namibia’s dollars in pensions, insurance payouts, bank balances, and estate funds go unclaimed. This isn’t money that has been stolen or lost — it’s money waiting for its rightful owners to step forward.
In 2024 and early 2025, public notices from pension funds, insurers, and the Government Gazette once again revealed just how much is sitting untouched. Some of these cases date back years. The recent final transfer of old Trustco Bank deposits to the Guardian’s Fund reminded everyone of a hard truth: if you don’t claim, the money moves on — and claiming later can be a long process.
What counts as “unclaimed monies”?
In simple terms, these are funds owed to people (or their heirs) that the payer hasn’t been able to hand over. This can happen if:
The owner’s contact details have changed.
The owner has passed away and no beneficiary details are on record.
The claim was never submitted.
Common examples in Namibia include:
Pension and retirement fund benefits.
Life insurance or policy payouts.
Dormant bank accounts and deposits.
Estate funds where beneficiaries haven’t been traced.
The 2025 picture
Here’s what’s been happening lately:
Government Gazette notices continue to publish names and amounts under the Administration of Estates Act, with deadlines for claiming before funds move to the Guardian’s Fund.
GIPF unclaimed benefits lists still name dozens of members (figures have ranged between 155 and 176) who have yet to come forward.
Insurer alerts from companies like Sanlam regularly appear in newspapers and online, urging people to check for their names.
Guardian’s Fund transfers — in March 2025, leftover Trustco Bank deposits were officially moved to the Master of the High Court.
How to search for unclaimed monies
If you suspect you or a family member might be owed something, start here:
GIPF Unclaimed Benefits Portal – Search by name if the person ever worked in government service.
Recent Government Gazettes – Look up notices under the Administration of Estates Act.
Insurer listings – Sanlam and others regularly publish lists in newspapers and on their websites.
The Guardian’s Fund – Contact the Master of the High Court for funds already transferred there.
Making a claim
Although the process varies depending on the institution, you’ll usually need:
A certified copy of your ID (and the death certificate if claiming for someone else).
Proof of relationship (marriage certificate, will, or family register).
Proof of banking details.
A completed claim form from the relevant fund or office.
Start with the organisation that published the notice — they’ll guide you through their requirements.
Tips to avoid losing track of money
Check regularly – Names are published at different times by different organisations.
Keep your paperwork in one place – Store IDs, certificates, and bank proofs safely.
Update your details – Tell your pension fund, bank, and insurer when you change addresses or phone numbers.
Be careful with private tracing agencies – Many searches are free directly from the source.
Act early – The longer you wait, the more complicated the process can become.
Where Namibia can do better
A central online registry combining all unclaimed money listings into one searchable database.
More digital tracing tools like SMS and email alerts from funds and insurers.
Clearer step-by-step claim guides from the Guardian’s Fund to help families navigate the process
The bottom line
If you think you or someone in your family might have unclaimed benefits, start your search today. The money won’t claim itself — and in many cases, you’ll find that the process is simpler than you think once you have the right documents.
