Momentum will rather see you paralysed, dead or 55

I never thought I would reach a point where I would beg for access to my own retirement money just to survive. After years of contributing toward my retirement annuity with Momentum/Investo, I recently found myself unemployed and under severe financial pressure. My vehicle is at risk of repossession, my bills are piling up, and like many South Africans, I am simply trying to stay afloat while looking for work and keeping my dignity intact. I contacted Momentum hoping for guidance, compassion, or at the very least a discussion around possible solutions. Instead, I was essentially told that unless I am dead, permanently disabled, or reach retirement age, there is absolutely no meaningful assistance available regarding funds that I personally contributed over the years. What makes this even more frustrating is the reality of the so-called “two-pot system.” It was presented to many South Africans as a form of financial relief and flexibility during difficult times, yet in practice many consumers are discovering that once that limited portion is exhausted, they are completely locked out of their own money — regardless of genuine hardship. I understand there are laws and regulations involved, but where is the human side of this process? Where is the effort to engage policyholders meaningfully when they are facing real crises like unemployment, repossession, debt, and potential homelessness? Big financial institutions continue collecting fees and protecting investments while ordinary people are left feeling powerless during the exact moments they need help the most. I have spent years paying toward this investment, yet now, during one of the darkest periods of my life, I feel abandoned by a system that was supposed to help secure my future. Surely there needs to be more balanced solutions for people facing genuine hardship — especially long-standing paying clients who have fallen on difficult times through circumstances beyond their control. I would really like to hear from other South Africans: Have you experienced similar frustrations with retirement annuities or the two-pot system? Were you also shocked at how inaccessible your own money becomes during emergencies? Did any financial institution genuinely try to help you beyond simply quoting legislation? At this point, many consumers are not asking for luxury or handouts. We are asking for understanding, flexibility, and fair engagement during real financial hardship.