The debate over perks for politicians has shifted to medical medical shemes, with ActionSA MP Kgosi Letlape campaigning to end compulsory membership of the Parmed Medical Scheme for MPs, arguing for choice and affordability, reported - Business Day (19 March 2026)
According to Letlape, Parmed, a premium scheme for lawmakers and judges, is generous but costly, with some MPs unable to cover dependants.
His proposal highlights concern about fairness, as officials access top-tier care while most citizens cannot.
Critics warn that making membership voluntary could destabilise the scheme by driving out healthier members, potentially undermining its sustainability and affecting long-term benefits.