Once again, we find ourselves at the business end of an eventful and challenging year, and I’m sure, like most of us, you are ready to start wrapping things up at work so you can enjoy a well-deserved December break.

Locally, the general elections held in May proceeded peacefully, as South Africans exercised their democratic right to vote, and we celebrated a milestone period without loadshedding! Swimmer Tatjana Smith did us proud by winning gold at the 2024 Paris Olympics, while athletes Mpumelelo Mhlongo and Simone Kruger swiftly followed suit at the Paralympics.

The much debated and contested NHI Bill was signed into law to become the NHI Act in June 2024. We stand by our original statement: As much as the Scheme supports universal health coverage for all South Africans in principle and wants to play a meaningful role to make this a reality, we maintain that the NHI blueprint in its current format is neither workable, nor affordable, and is likely to take several years to implement. As such, for us as a Scheme, it is business as usual for the foreseeable future.

For the Scheme, the biggest highlight of 2024 is undoubtedly the announcement of our partnership with Sanlam, which will see Fedhealth become the Sanlam-endorsed open medical scheme on

1 January 2025. We look forward to exploring the new possibilities and growth this collaboration will unlock – from a Scheme, member and of course, broker perspective. This partnership was unpacked during our virtual and in-person launches in October, and we thank every broker who attended for their time and the positive feedback we’ve been receiving ever since.

With our customisable medical aid offering that has flexibility and affordability at its heart, and now with the support of one of the most esteemed financial services groups in the country, Fedhealth is ready to embrace 2025 with everything we’ve got.

On behalf of the Trustees and the extended Fedhealth team, I’d like to thank you for your continued support during 2024. We really are fortunate to have some of the best brokers in the business representing the Scheme!

Here’s to a peaceful festive season and a truly prosperous 2025 for you and your loved ones.

Jeremy Yatt

Fedhealth Principal Officer

Please note: At the time of issuing this newsletter, we received confirmation that the Council for Medical Schemes has approved all Fedhealth’s rates and benefits for 2025.