The information solicited serves as a guide to the Trustees on what quantum will be appropriate for the identified beneficiaries. In terms of the legislation governing pension funds in Botswana the Trustees have absolute discretion to apportion the benefits in the way they see fit, hence this elaborate process of collecting information. The Trustees take into consideration several factors when apportioning benefits, including but not limited to, the age of the dependent, source of income, relationship with the member, etc.
In situations where dependents and beneficiaries are under 21 years of age their allocated amounts are kept in a trust fund and invested in less volatile asset classes until they attain the age of majority and are able to make financial decisions.
The monthly interest earned on the capital in such trust funds is given to the appointed guardian to provide for the minor in terms of sustenance, clothing and other related needs. This type of practice has proven that it complements the Government's effort to provide other social security programmes.