As we move into the second quarter of 2026, it’s a great moment to pause and reflect on the progress made on the goals that were set at the start of the year: review budgets, make adjustments where needed, and look for practical wins such as checking for unclaimed dividends or confirming the beneficiary status on a loved one’s dividends.

To help South Africans check whether they might be owed a portion of the R4.5 billion in unclaimed dividends, the JSE launched its “Claim It” initiative in February 2025.

Since then, nearly 93 000 people have come forward to check their dividend eligibility status, with almost 15 000 of them discovering that they had dividends due to them.

To make the process simpler and faster, the JSE now has an official WhatsApp channel that anyone can use to check whether they have unclaimed dividends.

People can verify their identity, confirm account details and complete the registration process from the convenience of their cellphone.

Helping to unite unclaimed dividends with their owners

WhatsApp is one of the most widely used communication platforms in South Africa, making it the ideal channel to help unite unclaimed dividends with their rightful owners. This additional verification channel meets customers where they already are, on a familiar and secure platform.

The WhatsApp channel complements the other verification platforms available, including the walk-in centre, call centre and the Claim It portal on the JSE website.

Claim It has taken a multi‑channel approach to ensure that no one is left behind and to further drive access to unclaimed dividends and ensure that South Africans are able to claim what’s rightfully theirs.

Vuyo Lee, the JSE’s Director of Marketing and Corporate Affairs, explained: “The JSE is committed to helping people reconnect with dividends that are rightfully theirs. The biggest barrier for many consumers isn’t interest; it’s the assumption that claiming is complicated.

“Introducing WhatsApp to our unclaimed dividends verification process further simplifies the claim process with clear prompts, making it easier to check and make a claim with minimal complications.

“We encourage anyone who has held shares in the past, received shares through an employer, or may be a beneficiary of an estate, to take a few minutes to check.”​

Unclaimed dividends can be the result of common, everyday changes, such as changing employers, relocating, or changing bank details. Many people simply forget or don’t know that they have shares received through employee schemes or inherited wealth.

Because WhatsApp is widely used, South Africans are urged to stay alert to impersonators and scams.

“Use only the official Claim It channel and ignore any suspicious numbers that claim they can “unlock” dividends, that ask for upfront fees, or pressure you to share sensitive information outside the guided verification steps,” said Lee.

“If you are ever unsure, pause and confirm the official channel through authorised JSE platforms before proceeding.​”

How to check for unclaimed dividends via WhatsApp

Start by sending a message to +27 68 303 0303. The chat then takes you through simple prompts to verify your details:​

• Confirm your phone number​
• Upload your South African ID​
• Verify your address along with account information​

Other ways to verify

WhatsApp is a convenient way to begin, but it is not the only option. You can do an ID search via the Claim It online portal, contact the call centre on 0861 401 105, or make use of the walk-in centre at the JSE offices on 2 Gwen Lane, Sandton.

This post was based on a press release issued on behalf of the JSE.