The Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) has criticized the Government Employees Medical Scheme (GEMS) for corruption and excessive corporate influence, calling for immediate reforms. In a statement issued on November 6, 2025, the party accused GEMS of straying from its original mission to provide affordable healthcare for public servants. Instead, the scheme now reportedly benefits a few large corporations and insiders, while ordinary members face rising costs and inadequate services. The EFF's complaint follows a review of GEMS' 2024 financial reports and concerns raised by the Public Servants Association (PSA).
The EFF points to troubling financial practices, such as the payment of over R2.9 billion to two corporations for administrative and managed care services, despite rising contribution fees for members. They also raised concerns over the lack of compliance with Black Economic Empowerment (BEE) and Small, Medium, and Micro Enterprises (SMME) regulations. Additionally, allegations of internal corruption, such as public servant board members receiving large fees, have sparked further outrage. The EFF is demanding a forensic audit, the suspension of non-compliant board members, and a halt to excessive contribution hikes, calling for better use of GEMS' reserves to ease the burden on its members.
The EFF points to troubling financial practices, such as the payment of over R2.9 billion to two corporations for administrative and managed care services, despite rising contribution fees for members. They also raised concerns over the lack of compliance with Black Economic Empowerment (BEE) and Small, Medium, and Micro Enterprises (SMME) regulations. Additionally, allegations of internal corruption, such as public servant board members receiving large fees, have sparked further outrage. The EFF is demanding a forensic audit, the suspension of non-compliant board members, and a halt to excessive contribution hikes, calling for better use of GEMS' reserves to ease the burden on its members.
