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News24 reports that the Government Employees Medical Scheme (GEMS), which has more than 2 million beneficiaries, has announced that member contributions for 2026 will increase by a weighted average of 9.8%.
The Public Servants Association (PSA), which represents about 245 000 current and former government workers, slammed the increase, calling it a reckless move that will devastate the financial stability of hundreds of thousands of public servants. The trade union advised that it was actively exploring litigation options to challenge the increase and hold GEMS accountable for breaching its mandate. The PSA urged the Minister of Public Service and Administration and the Minister of Finance to intervene as a matter of urgency to restore fairness and affordability. The Federation of Unions of SA (Fedusa) and its public sector-affiliated unions also rejected the 9.8% increase.
However, GEMS’ principal officer Dr Stan Moloabi said: “This adjustment is explicitly positioned as the necessary financial input to deliver value, access and ensure long-term sustainability.” In comparison, Discovery Health Medical Scheme will institute a weighted average increase of 7.2% in member contributions in 2026, though these will only start from 1 April. Bonitas will raise its 2026 member contributions by an average of 8.8%, while Medshield and Bestmed will increase theirs by 7.5% and 6.8% respectively.
- Read the full original of the report in the above regard by Garth Theunissen at News24 Business (subscription / trial registration required)
- Read the PSA’s press statement at PSA News
Get other news reports at the SA LabourNews home page