Was it really just Covid?
A review of five years of Medihelp’s annual reports traces the events behind the scheme’s fall below and its rise back above the statutory minimum.
Author: Moonstone Information Refinery
Santam joins insurers rewarding claim-free customers with cashback
The new programme pays qualifying policyholders 10% of premiums back after claim-free periods, reflecting the growing use of rewards to build customer loyalty.
Audit report and liquidity exemption for certain FSPs renewed
Qualifying Category I FSPs that handle insurance premiums on behalf of insurers may continue relying on the existing exemption until 30 June 2029.
Private equity FAIS relief continues until 2029
Qualifying providers and certain juristic representatives will continue to benefit from targeted regulatory relief, with the existing exemption conditions unchanged.
Kandua launches AI home maintenance companion
Jess helps homeowners to diagnose repair problems, estimate costs, and connect with contractors, illustrating how AI is expanding beyond insurance into everyday customer services.
The quiet revolution in retirement fund costs
Despite two decades of growing regulation, administration costs have fallen sharply, leaving more retirement contributions invested for members.
SARB forfeits nearly R11m in assets from former Steinhoff executive
The Reserve Bank orders the forfeiture of Chris Grové’s cash, property, and vehicles following a long-running exchange-control dispute.
Seven years of growth: What Bestmed’s numbers say about its sustainability
Membership, claims, reserves, and solvency all point to a strong year, but they also reveal the long-term pressures facing the scheme.
Discovery financially stronger, but beneficiary base shrinks again
DHMS improved its solvency, surplus and principal membership, but an ageing risk pool, fewer beneficiaries, and a claims-system error tempered the year’s progress.
Tribunal clarifies test for qualification exemptions
The ruling explains why exemption applications require objective statutory grounds rather than pleas for indulgence.
Funeral insurance Bill moves to Parliament, but questions persist
The proposed reforms could require significant operational changes for insurers, but industry experts believe they address only part of the problem.
FSCA provisionally withdraws Mixirite’s licence
The regulator’s concerns include alleged high-pressure sales tactics, unrealistic return promises, and inadequate disclosures to clients.
ConCourt confirms limits of VAT relief for second-hand gold
Refining does not erase the legal significance of earlier manufacture into non-prescribed forms such as jewellery.
Could your Uber ride be processed as an international payment?
The SARB is proposing new rules to address situations where local services are paid for through offshore payment networks.
Consumers fear they are running out of financial breathing room
A Debt Rescue survey suggests many households have little capacity left to absorb higher borrowing costs, adding to concerns about rising food, fuel, and electricity expenses.
Seven-year R5.5m fraud exposes dangers of unchecked payment controls
Businesses should regularly review user permissions and payment approvals to reduce opportunities for financial misconduct.
SCA’s property rights ruling has lessons for new expropriation law
The ruling was decided under the 1975 Act, yet commentators say its constitutional principles will remain relevant when the new law eventually takes effect.
