Pension Funds Adjudicator rules again sperm donor’s children in death benefit case

SPERM does not make a father, and being a biological parent does not automatically grant parental rights, according to a ruling by the Pension Funds Adjudicator, Muvhango Lukhaimane.

- DIEKETSENG MALEKE [e-mail]

Lukhaimane dismissed a complaint from a woman who was aggrieved that Old Mutual Wealth Retirement Annuity Fund refused to recognise her twin children as beneficiaries after the death of their sperm donor father.

The deceased, a member of the fund, passed away on January 4, 2021, leaving behind several relatives, including a minor daughter, a minor son, a major son, a stepson, and two customary spouses.

A gross death benefit of R787 524 before tax was available to be allocated among his beneficiaries. The fund allocated 80% of this benefit to the deceased's major son and 20% to one of his customary spouses.