By REGINALD KANYANE
27 August 2026 – The Portfolio Committee on Public Service and Administration called for stronger accountability and improved affordability at the Government Employees Medical Scheme (GEMS). GEMS briefed the committee on its performance from January to June this year, as well as strategies to address fraud and waste in its operations.
The Chairperson of the Committee, Jan de Villiers said the meeting was important because, although GEMS is not funded from the fiscus, it is funded through member and employer contributions. De Villiers said since it was established through an Act of Parliament, the committee has an oversight responsibility over the Scheme.
“The meeting followed concerns previously raised by the committee about fraud-related claims and affordability issues. The committee is also on record for its concern about the impact of waste on GEMS’ financial sustainability and ability to provide affordable healthcare to public servants and their dependents.
“Committee members raised a number of concerns. They asked about the payment of public servants who were acting as trustees and whether they are doing so with the requisite approvals for paid work outside the public service,” he said.
De Villiers further said some members were particularly concerned about double-dipping. He added that the committee noted GEMS’ strategies to prevent, detect and recover losses from fraud and waste.
“The scheme reported that 3 062 instances were detected in 2025, while remediation and recoveries amounted to R257 million. Members stressed that fraud should be clearly distinguished from waste, abuse and error so that suspected criminal conduct can be referred to the relevant law enforcement authorities for investigation.
“The committee also examined GEMS’ contribution increases, hospital-centred benefit design and claims management, among other things. Members stressed that cost containment must not become a barrier to members accessing necessary healthcare,” said de Villiers.
He said members also welcomed a proposal by the Deputy Minister of Public Service and Administration, Pinky Kekana, that a joint meeting be called of the Portfolio Committee on Public Service and Administration, the Portfolio Committee on Health and the Standing Committee on Finance to further interrogate governance matters in GEMS. De Villiers said the committee supported the proposal, adding that organised labour and the Council for Medical Schemes must also be invited.
“We reiterate that the committee’s focus is to ensure that GEMS fulfils its purpose of providing accessible and affordable healthcare to public servants,” he said.
The Guardian 