Health department, Treasury discussing changes to medical tax credit
Policymakers are planning a systematic phasing-out of the rebate as the NHI Fund takes over payment for benefits financed through medical schemes.
Treasury proposes higher levies for 2026/27
Most FSCA levies will rise by 3.2%, but retirement funds face a 15% increase in the OPFA levy, and charges are introduced for some entities.
Waiting periods – how they affect medical scheme benefits
This edition of Cover to Cover explains waiting periods, helping advisers guide clients on when benefits start and strategies to avoid gaps in cover.
Tribunal proposes no change to levy in 2026/27
Although the percentage will remain the same, supervised firms will pay more to the Tribunal because of the FSCA and PA levy increases.
No easy answers when valuing living annuities at divorce
Courts and practitioners face contested valuation methods – from present-value drawdowns to post-death capital – with tax and drawdown assumptions driving outcomes.
Optimum Investment Group takes 40% stake in Obsidian Capital
The deal aims to enhance efficiency, broaden product capability, and deliver greater value for clients.
Asia soars, America slips: inside the 2025 passport power shift
Singapore reclaims the world’s top passport as South Africa stays strong at third in Africa with access to 102 visa-free destinations.
Absa partners with Ripple to offer cryptocurrency custody services in SA
The partnership positions Absa among South African banks exploring blockchain infrastructure, offering secure custody for cryptocurrencies.
Sanlam Collective Investments hit with R10.6m FIC Act penalty
Despite the FSCA’s findings of RMCP gaps, SCI confirms that client funds remain secure and no money laundering or terrorist financing was detected.
SIU flags interference as SCOPA inquiry exposes governance and financial failures at RAF
The Special Investigating Unit has raised serious concerns over potential interference by the Road Accident Fund in its ongoing investigation.
FSCA publishes proposed levies and budget for 2026/27
The Authority seeks a 4% increase in levies to fund its operating expenditure, which will rise by 9%.
CMS: No complaints about brokers’ conduct in 2024/25
The Council for Medical Schemes’ latest annual report shows a decline in registered complaints – continuing a three-year downward trajectory.
The future of healthcare financing: why brokers must stay agile
In a landscape defined by rising costs and digital disruption, brokers who embrace technology and tailor gap cover to individual life stages will lead the way.
FST upholds debarment of planner who signed advice records without meeting clients
The planner said his employee performed administrative tasks and denied that the engagements constituted ‘advice’ under the FAIS Act.
Judge slams motor dealership for ‘sharp practice’ in defective vehicle case
The High Court upheld the NCT’s ruling against Avura Motors, criticising the dealership for attempting to discredit an assessor’s report it had previously relied on.
Consumer Goods Medical Scheme launches new options as it opens to entire sector
The Council for Medical Schemes has approved two savings plans that will be marketed from 1 November.
CMS research points to urgent need for chronic disease and cost-of-care reforms
Two new CMS studies highlight the growing strain of chronic diseases and soaring out-of-pocket healthcare costs.
High Court confirms curatorship of medical scheme
The Court ordered Sizwe Hosmed’s principal officer to personally pay legal costs after dismissing the scheme’s attempt to overturn the provisional curatorship.
