{"id":36546,"date":"2026-02-27T21:27:02","date_gmt":"2026-02-27T19:27:02","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.yfm.co.za\/devworld\/?p=36546"},"modified":"2026-02-27T21:27:02","modified_gmt":"2026-02-27T19:27:02","slug":"gems-under-fire-over-contribution-hike","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.yfm.co.za\/devworld\/2026\/02\/27\/gems-under-fire-over-contribution-hike\/","title":{"rendered":"GEMS under fire over contribution hike"},"content":{"rendered":"
\"\"
Image credit: @pscbcnews\/X<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Pressure is mounting on the Government Employees Medical Scheme (GEMS) to reconsider its latest contribution increase, as unions and members warn that rising premiums are becoming unaffordable for many public servants.<\/p>\n

GEMS, which serves more than two million beneficiaries, initially announced a 9.8% increase in member contributions for 2026, later revising it slightly down to 9.5%.<\/p>\n

\"\"
Image credit: GEMS<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

The adjustment follows last year\u2019s 13.4% hike, which has fueled frustration among public servants who say cumulative increases are pricing members out of private healthcare.<\/p>\n

Following engagements with the scheme, public service unions affiliated with the Congress of South African Trade Unions (COSATU) held nationwide pickets, including a protest at GEMS headquarters in Pretoria on Thursday, demanding lower contributions.<\/p>\n

COSATU spokesperson, Zanele Sabela, said the successive increases have effectively forced some members off the scheme.<\/p>\n\t

\n\t\t
    \n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t
  • \n\t\t\"cover\"\t\tplay_arrow<\/i><\/span>\n\t\t

    \n\t\t\tGEMS under fire over contribution hike<\/span>\n\t\t\tNonhlanhla Harris<\/span>\n\t\t<\/p>\n\t<\/li>\n\t\t<\/ul>\n\t<\/div>\t\t\t\n\t\n

    However, not all stakeholders oppose the adjustment.<\/p>\n

    Education activist, Hendrick Makaneta, has voiced support for the increase, arguing that members must consider the long-term sustainability of the fund.<\/p>\n

    While acknowledging the financial pressure facing households, he said managing a scheme of GEMS\u2019 size requires balancing immediate affordability with future stability.<\/p>\n

    “Healthcare costs in South Africa continue to rise faster than inflation. Medical schemes also operate under strict regulation. The Council for Medical Schemes requires adequate reserves to ensure that claims are paid,” Makaneta said.<\/p>\n\t

    \n\t\t
      \n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t
    • \n\t\t\"cover\"\t\tplay_arrow<\/i><\/span>\n\t\t

      \n\t\t\tGEMS under fire over contribution hike<\/span>\n\t\t\tNonhlanhla Harris<\/span>\n\t\t<\/p>\n\t<\/li>\n\t\t<\/ul>\n\t<\/div>\t\t\t\n\t\n

      Supporters argue that maintaining adequate reserves is both a legal and ethical obligation to protect members\u2019 benefits.<\/p>\n

      As frustration grows, stakeholders say sustained engagement between unions, members and GEMS leadership will be critical in finding a solution that safeguards both affordability and the scheme\u2019s long-term viability.<\/p>\n

      \n

      \ud83d\udccdCOSATU Public Service Unions Challenge GEMS Fee Hikes.<\/p>\n

      Our members were on the grohnd today and have submitted a memorandum to the Government Employees Medical Scheme (GEMS) Board opposing the proposed increases to medical aid contributions.#GEMSSusiqhela<\/a> #IAmASchoolFan<\/a> pic.twitter.com\/5ed5WSECwh<\/a><\/p>\n

      \u2014 SADTU Gauteng (@SADTU_Gauteng) February 26, 2026<\/a><\/p><\/blockquote>\n