NUMSA AND NEHAWU JOINT STATEMENT ON THE SUSPENSION OF SIZWE MEDSCHEME CEO

The National Union of Metalworkers of South Africa (Numsa) and National Education, Health and Allied Workers Union (NEHAWU) welcome the news on the  suspension of Sizwe Medical Aid scheme, Chief Executive Officer {CEO} Ms Linda Gabela by its Board of Trustees. She faces serious allegations of fraud and maladministration.

We congratulate the Board of Trustees for their swift and decisive action and we are fully behind them and confident that they will stabilise the situation and prevent things from falling apart. It is refreshing to see a board that plays its oversight role without fear and is committed in jealously guarding the hard earned money of the workers.

NUMSA and NEHAWU will not venture into the merits and demerits of the allegations as it might compromise the disciplinary process. We appeal to our members not to panic, but allow internal processes to unfold without any interference or threats.

The leadership of NUMSA and NEHAWU will await a detailed report or briefing from the Board of Trustees upon completion of all processes. We want to assure our members that the scheme is solvent and the two unions will be vigilantly following the events as they unfold acting as the eyes and ears of the workers.

We remain vigilant in our fight against fraud and maladministration, including the scourge of corruption wherever it raises its ugly head. We will never allow our members; hard earned money to be squandered or used by anyone to enrich themselves. Workers' money should be properly accounted for and only used to advance  social conditions of our members.

We appeal to the Board of Trustees to expedite the process in the best interest of our members.

Statement issued by Castro Ngobese, NUMSA National Spokesperson, and Sizwe Pamla, NEHAWU National Spokesperson, September 8 2011

Click here to sign up to receive our free daily headline email newsletter