KZN COSATU leads protests over 9.8% GEMS hike

A near double-digit medical aid spike just set off province-wide protests, with public servants saying their paychecks are getting squeezed harder every year.

KZN unions mobilize against GEMS hike

• Congress of South African Trade Unions in KwaZulu-Natal spearheaded the protests.
• The Government Employees Medical Scheme imposed a 9.8% contribution increase.
• Workers staged lunchtime pickets across Durban and other provincial hubs.
• Public servants argue the jump wrecks already stretched household budgets.

Two-year increase dwarfs wage gains

• Combined hikes hit 23.3% after last year’s 13.4% rise.
• Salary adjustments trailed behind at 5.5% and 4%.
• Nurses, teachers, and police officers say take-home pay feels thinner.
• Inflation at 3.6% makes the scheme’s jump look excessive.

National day of action set for Pretoria

• Unions plan a 26 February 2026 march at Menlyn Maine.
• The Democratic Nursing Organisation of South Africa joined the coalition.
• National Education, Health and Allied Workers’ Union backed the push.
• South African Democratic Teachers’ Union and Police and Prisons Civil Rights Union signed on.

Calls for a forensic probe and choice

• Organizers demand the increase be scrapped immediately.
• Leaders want a forensic audit into management and procurement.
• Members are pushing for freedom to choose alternative medical schemes.
• Scheme officials claim rising healthcare costs justify the adjustment.