A Local Taxpayer's Struggle With The Two-Pot System: Her Story And The Public's Frustration

Holifil

03 Apr, 2025

A taxpayer from South Africa recently shared a viral TikTok video revealing she had only R7 left after settling her debts.
She expressed her hope in the two-pot system to provide financial relief, though she is still awaiting the funds.
Her post sparked a wave of reactions on social media, with many users expressing their own struggles and frustrations with the system.

A woman is left with just R7 after paying her debts. Image source: TikTok/@phillisshibambu1

When the two-pot system officially launched on September 1, it was met with a mix of excitement and anxiety. Many South Africans were eager to access their funds under the new scheme, which aimed to simplify how government employees manage their pension contributions. However, not everyone has had a smooth experience. One woman, sharing her financial predicament on TikTok, revealed she had less than R10 left after clearing her debts. Her story quickly resonated with countless others who are also waiting anxiously for their funds.

Her Financial Struggles and Faith in the Two-Pot System

Under the username @phillisshibambu1, this taxpayer posted a heartfelt video on TikTok, showing just how dire her situation had become. In the clip, she held up a R5 and R2 coin, symbolizing the meager R7 she had left after receiving her salary. She explained that she was counting on the two-pot system to provide her with much-needed financial assistance. Her hope was tied to the Government Employees Pension Fund (GEPF), which she believed would come through for her in this difficult time.

In the video, she expressed her feelings, saying:

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"The only money left from my salary after paying every debt I created, having faith in the two-pot system. GEPF (Government Employees Pension Fund)."

You can watch the emotional video below:

South Africans Vent Their Frustrations Online

The comments section of the video quickly became a platform for others to share their own struggles with the two-pot system. Many South Africans expressed frustration over the delays in receiving their funds, with some pointing fingers at various service providers for not delivering on their promises.

One commenter, @user511810768835, opened up about their own financial challenges:

"I got paid on Monday. I'm only left with R100. I had faith that the two-pot system was going to pay me."

Another user, @masello.mokotedi, echoed similar sentiments:

"I'm still waiting since I submitted [my application] on the 9th of September."

@eliot3577 raised a valid question that many were thinking:

"Does the government have money? How on earth do we wait two months if they have money?"

@trymokoena offered a lighthearted yet relatable response:

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"At least you managed to withdraw R7. Some of us go and check on the app to see if it's still there."

@inkabiyamosotho chimed in with empathy:

"The feeling is mutual."

Finally, @user29290865937448 suggested a potential solution:

"Maybe it's time for unions to intervene."

Technical Errors Add to the Chaos

In a separate incident, Briefly News reported on another taxpayer who encountered technical difficulties while attempting to check her two-pot funds online. This woman visited the Government Employees Pension Fund website but was met with an error message instead of the information she sought. While some users found humor in the situation, suggesting it was a sign she shouldn't withdraw her money, others expressed sympathy for her plight.

The ongoing issues with the two-pot system highlight the urgent need for improvements in communication and efficiency. As more South Africans continue to share their stories, it becomes increasingly clear that resolving these challenges is vital to ensuring financial stability for those who rely on these funds.