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And how much can I draw down from this investment?

After 10 years, the initial amount should still be available.

It can take several months since the share certificates will be in a holding position while the various processes associated with winding up an estate unfold.

I wish to keep the RA offshore and then purchase an offshore-based annuity.

Without knowing how much you need on a monthly basis to cover your living expenses, it is difficult to advise the most appropriate investment for your lump sum.

In choosing where to invest, you need to consider factors such as inflation, current interest rates, your investment timeframe, and your risk appetite.

If there is no tax benefit to an investor, then I do believe there are more suitable structures to invest in.

In the current environment, the best match with your requirements would be either a ‘variable income’ or a ‘multi-asset income’ unit trust fund.

You may want to consider investing the money offshore as a diversification and risk mitigation measure.

And what would you do with the funds in the short term?

Where can I earn a reasonable return on this money?

Until the interest rate situation changes in South Africa, I would strongly reconsider any cash exposure.

It is unlikely, unless the unit trust investments exceeded certain thresholds – but going forward, it is important that they understand what types of incomes the different asset classes attract.

Should I focus solely on settling my home loan, or on doing that while contributing to another investment?

They don't – provided that they are automatically reinvested by the product provider.