The Minister of Public Works and Administration, King Mzamo Buthelezi, has revealed that he rejected the increase in medical aid for government employees, the Government Employees Medical Scheme (GEMS).
Buthelezi said he expressed his disapproval of the 9.8% increase to GEMS officials.
“GEMS informed the various parties at the Public Service Coordinating Bargaining Council (PSCBC) in December last year, that they will increase the money. There is a policy that must be agreed before the money is increased,” said Buthelezi.
He said this in response to a question from the EFF member of Parliament, Mr. Adil Nchabeleng, who asked if there was any opposition to the decision of GEMS, which came from the labor unions regarding the increase in money?
Buthelezi said that he is not the one who approves the money increase but it is done by the GEMS board.
“Discussions are still ongoing between me and the GEMS board regarding the fee reduction as I warned them on several occasions about this fee increase. The fee reduction from 9.8% to 9.5% has not had much impact on the wages paid to the workers,” said Buthelezi.
Recently, various public sector unions have marched against GEMS demanding a reduction in fees. They also want an investigation into GEMS officials and the dismissal of its chief.
They gave GEMS seven days to respond to their complaints, and said they are still looking at other options, including going to court to force GEMS to reduce the amount.
Unions under Fedusa have extended time for GEMS to respond to their complaints. The union protested on February 21, complaining about the increase in fees.
And the unions under Cosatu say unanimously that they want this amount to be reduced. They also complain that for years in a row, the money paid to workers is greatly increased while the money that was allocated is quickly exhausted before the end of the year.
The unions also threatened to hold a general strike if GEMS continued to tighten its grip.
GEMS stated that it increased the amount due to the increase in expenses and fees paid by its members. He also complained about the corruption that happened as he accused other members of admitting their relatives in private hospitals, which are not under GEMS.