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.
#annualreport
More credit consumers turn to ombud – and more are getting results
The NFO’s Credit Division recorded a 58% jump in complaints during 2025, while recoveries for consumers more than tripled and favourable outcomes outpaced every other division.
From fraud listings to repossessions: inside the credit ombud’s case files
The NFO’s case studies show how disputes over evidence, process failures, and consumer rights can escalate into costly battles between credit providers and customers.
Life Division complaints rise 18.8% as funeral disputes dominate
The division recorded more formal investigations in 2025, but improved turnaround times and secured almost R300 million for complainants.
NFO recovers R442.99m for consumers as complaints climb
Digital-banking scams, rejected funeral claims, and insurance disputes over exclusions and maintenance emerged as key pressure points in 2025.
FSCA Consumer Advisory Panel releases inaugural annual report
The report details the Panel’s mandate, membership, and engagement with the regulator since its establishment in 2023.
SASRIA can absorb a catastrophe claim of up to R20bn
The state-owned insurer says it is on track to reach R30bn in reserves by 2029 – but emerging risks could still put its resilience to the test.
Tax Ombud’s 10 top refunds total R167m
Requiring SARS to provide written reasons when it rejects the OTO’s recommendations has resulted in an increase in the resolution of complaints.
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.
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.
Move to two-pot system drives jump in complaints to the Adjudicator
Outgoing Adjudicator Muvhango Lukhaimane says the system has laid bare long-standing non-compliance with section 13A of the Pension Funds Act.
COFI will redefine the OPFA’s role and scope
Expanding the Office’s mandate to include disputes involving advice will enhance member protection, but there are concerns over jurisdictional overlaps and operational costs.
Discovery members ‘make the Smart move’, while KeyCare loses ground
The decline in KeyCare Plus membership reflects a reduction in employer subsidies and fewer mandates for medical scheme membership, DHMS says.
Consumers caught in hidden debt trap as ombud flags unfair practices
From hidden VAS fees that quietly inflated balances to wrongful fraud listings, the NFO Credit Division’s interventions have secured millions in write-offs.
Bestmed marks sixth year of membership growth
Despite economic headwinds and high claims ratios, Bestmed grew net membership by 4.4% in 2024, bolstered by strong solvency and a R164.4m surplus.
Non-life complaints resolved in favour of policyholders at 16.5%
Lead Ombud Edite Teixeira-Mckinon warns against drawing hasty conclusions about complaints stats without factoring in claims volumes and policy counts.
NFO’s Life Division recovers over R202m for consumers in 2024
Complaints about life-benefit payouts climbed to 36% of the Division’s cases, from 34% in 2023.
