News

GEMS tariff hike sparks union backlash

23 Feb 2026

In a letter delivered to the Board of the Government Employees Medical Scheme’s (GEMS) trade unions in the Public Service Co-ordinating Bargaining Council (PSCBC) rejected the scheme’s 9.8% tariff increase. The union also demanded the immediate removal of principal officer Dr Stanley Moloabi and the scheme’s executive leadership as well as a forensic audit into governance, finances, procurement practice, and administrative expenditure.
– Times Live (17 Feb 2026) Business Day (23 Feb 2026)
They argue that GEMS was designed as a social solidarity medical scheme and never meant to operate like a commercial insurer. In 2025 GEMS implemented a 13.4% increase in contributions resulting a cumulative 23.2% increase over two years.
The unions gave GEMS ‘seven working days’ to respond in writing. They warn that failure to engage substantively and take corrective action will lead to escalation, including protests and wider mass mobilisation by affected public servants.

*The unions include the Public Servants Association, the Health and Other Service Personnel Trade Union of SA and the SA Policing Union.

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