Medical scheme contribution hikes for 2025: what’s driving the surge?
Contribution increases in 2025 are exceeding CPI, with some medical schemes aiming to rebuild reserves and ensure long-term sustainability.
Industry News
Cautious investors pivot to domestic assets as rand strengthens post-election
The stronger rand has shifted the focus back to domestic equities and property. Managers leaning into local value and shedding expensive offshore assets are reaping the rewards of this pivot.
Alarm bells ring as Sanlam reports high withdrawal claims among vulnerable members
In September, Sanlam received more than 83 000 withdrawal claims, with most coming from members aged 35 to 44, many of whom had a replacement ratio below 50%.
Two-pot withdrawals: taxpayers who understate their income face penalties
SARS has processed more than 1.2 million tax directives for savings component withdrawals, paying out R21.4 billion to fund members.
Cybersecurity Awareness Month: small businesses must prioritise protection as cyberattacks surge
SMMEs serving critical infrastructure and global corporations, as well as those in regulated industries such as insurance, healthcare, banking, and credit monitoring, are particularly vulnerable.
MTI liquidation: a global effort to recover crypto funds from a Ponzi scheme
Leveraging the Model Law on Cross-Border Insolvency, the liquidators co-ordinated with courts in the US, UK, and Australia, setting a precedent for future international crypto claims.
Ombud Council’s first formally tabled report highlights reforms in financial dispute resolution
Key achievements include the creation of the National Financial Ombud Scheme and the new FAIS Ombud Rules.
Adjudicator to propose holding trustees personally accountable for non-payment of contributions
Muvhango Lukhaimane will also consult with trustees on guidelines for naming and shaming problematic funds, administrators, and employers.
Bestmed’s 2025 contribution hike is the biggest of top five open schemes
Bestmed says that rand for rand its benefit options will remain competitive despite the proposed average increase of 12.75%.
Retirement funds are the new ‘must-have’ – thanks to the two-pot system
The system is driving a shift in how members engage with their retirement funds. Members are monitoring their savings and reacting to market fluctuations, says Old Mutual.
ASISA flags ‘problematic’ amendments to two-pot legislation
Funds made different calls on the conditions for the exclusion of provident preservation fund members and the seeding date for members who opt in.
Law firm fires back at Road Accident Fund’s ‘malicious’ accusations
Spruyt Inc says the Fund’s claims of cruelty and misconduct are a reaction to its relentless pursuit of overdue payments for its indigent clients.
Survey highlights recovery in SA insurance industry
Non-life insurers bounced back from a loss of R16.7bn in 2022 to a profit of R13.7bn in 2023, while life insurers posted significant profit growth, says KPMG.
NCT tells two suppliers to pay up after shoddy repairs and service violations
The Consumer Protection Act requires suppliers to perform services in a manner that meets the reasonable expectations of consumers.
Life insurers pay out R298bn as policy lapses remain a concern
ASISA advises consumers to take a holistic view of their finances and avoid hasty decisions that could leave them unprotected.
SAIPA chief executive is not taking his dismissal lying down
Shahied Daniels has accused the accountancy organisation’s board of irregularities and says he intends to challenge his dismissal.
Steinhoff’s fall: former CFO Ben la Grange sentenced
La Grange was sentenced to 10 years in prison, with five years suspended contingent on his co-operation with the State in future cases involving Steinhoff’s executives.
