Public servants in KwaZulu-Natal say they are not seeking confrontation with government but are calling for affordable and improved healthcare options, as frustrations mount over rising medical aid costs and limited benefits.
Workers staged a picket in uMlazi on Thursday, protesting against the Government Employees Medical Scheme (GEMS) after the scheme announced member contribution increases of between 9.5% and 9.8% for 2026.
Unions argue that the increases, coupled with what they describe as restrictive treatment options and administrative hurdles, are placing an additional burden on already stretched workers.
Police and Prisons Civil Rights Union representative Nthabeleng Molefe said some members living with chronic illnesses are required to collect medication from public hospitals despite paying for medical aid coverage. She added that members have also complained about co-payments and certain procedures not being fully funded.
“You don’t have an option for medication of your choice. You’re being told what kind of medication you’ll take, and often it’s generic,” Molefe said. “We expected GEMS to be more user-friendly for government employees.”
Union representatives have since submitted a memorandum of demands, calling for more flexible and accessible benefits, as well as greater transparency from the scheme.
Zanele Gumede, from the Democratic Nursing Organisation of South Africa in the province, said workers are determined to challenge the fee hikes.
“The main demand is to reduce this 9.28% to 3.3%, which was recommended by a medical aid council and not implemented,” she said. “We are prepared to fight through legal processes, negotiations and other lawful means.”
Workers warned that further action could follow if their concerns are not addressed, signalling that the dispute over healthcare costs may intensify in the coming months.