How to Join


To become a member, follow these simple steps ›

  • Obtain an application form – either by downloading one, contacting the Call Centre on 0860 00 4367, or from your HR department;
  • Complete the form, ensuring that you have completed all the sections in full and that you have provided the requested supplementary documents (see ‘Documents Required’)
  • Send the completed form and documents by:
    • fax to 0861 00 4367;
    • post to GEMS, Private Bag X782, Cape Town, 8000; or
    • e-mail to enquiries@gems.gov.za

What documents are needed with your application? ›

No other dependants, other than those listed in the table below, are eligible for membership. The following documentation is required with an application if the Principal Member wishes to register beneficiaries as dependants:

Description of Dependant ›Documentation required›
Spouse
  • Completed dependant section on application form.
  • If custormary marriage, an affidavit from the member confirming the obligation towards the spouse.
  • Marriage certificate required if married and surname differs from Principal Member.

 

Ex-spouse
  • Completed dependant section on application form, and
  • Copy of legal obligation to provide medical support per divorce settlement or court order to such effect existing.
Partner 
  • Completed dependant section on application form, and
  • Sworn affidavit confirming that the dependant is the member's life partner. (Sworn affidavit to be completed by member, partner and witness)

Child (biological, adopted, step or foster), with Principal Member's surname, under the age of 21

  • Completed dependant section on application form.

Note: If the child's surname differs from the Principal Member's, an affidavit confirming the obligation towards the child and stating the reason for the difference is required. (Sworn affidavit to be completed by Principal Member)

Note: The spouse must be registered to add the step child.

Child (biological, adopted, step or foster), over the age of 21

  • Completed dependant section on application form, and
  • If child is a student:
  • Proof of full-time registration at a recognised tertiary institution and
  • Affidavit from Principal Member confirming financial dependency
  • If child is totally dependent due to mental or physical disability:
  • Proof of disability from a medical practitioner (Medical assessment report to be completed by Medical Practitioner) and
  • Affidavit from member confirming the child is not in a state institution.
  • If child is not a student nor disabled:
  • Affidavit from Principal Member confirming financial dependency.

Note: The spouse must be registered to add the step child.

Dependant with different surname 
  • If dependant's surname differs from the Principal Member's, an affidavit confirming the Principal Member's obligation towards the dependant and stating the reason for difference is required. (Sworn affidavit to be completed by Principal Member) 
Child in-law 
  • Completed dependant section of the application form.
  • Affidavit from Principal Member confirming financial dependency of the beneficiaries.
  • Note: The child of the member or the member or the member's spouse must be registered to add the child in-law.
Parents, Parents-in-law, Grandparent, or Grandparent-in-law
  • Completed dependant section on application form, and
  • Affidavit from Principal Member confirming financial dependency of the beneficiaries.

Note: Parents-in-law and Grandparents-in-law may only be registered if spouse is also registered as a beneficiary.

Grandchild, great granchild and so forth
  • Completed dependant section on application form, and
  • Proof of child support grant received by the member or the spouse, or
  • Sworn affidavit confirming financial dependency of the grandchild on the Principal Member. (Sworn affidavit to be completed by Principal Member and biological parent, where applicable)
  • Note: If the parent of the child is also registered as a dependant an affidavit is needed from the Principal Member for the grandchild or great grandchild only.
Sibling, half sibling, step sibling and in-law sibling
  • Completed dependant section on application form, and
  • Sworn affidavit confirming financial dependency of the sibling on the Principal Member. (Sworn affidavit to be completed by Principal Member)

Note: The sibling of a Principal Member's spouse may be registered as a beneficiary.

Note: The spouse must be registered to add his/her siblings.   

Children of Sibling 
  • Completed dependant section on application form, and
  • Sworn affidavit confirming financial dependency of niece/s and/or nephew on the Principal Member. (Sworn affidavit to be completed by the Principal Member and sibling, where applicable.)

Note: The children of a sibling of a Principal Member or the Principal Member's spouse may be registered as a beneficiary.

Note: If the parent of the child is also registered as a dependant an affidavit is needed from the Principal Member for the niece/nephew only.

Note 
  • ID documents or birth certicates are required for all dependants.  
 

Adult dependant rates are payable for all dependants over the age of 21, excluding

  • Disabled dependants (child rates are payable);
  • Children who are students (child rates are payable until the age of 27);

Please note that your adult dependant/s may be subject to an annual eligibility review. Members must provide annual proof of dependency of all beneficiaries over the age of 21 excluding disabled dependants.  

Should you not have the necessary documentation available at the time of applying for membership, please send us your application form and supply the necessary information as listed above as soon as possible. Failure to provide the proof may result in your application being put on hold until the required documentation is received.

Enrolment Forms >

Download the enrolment pack in
easy-to-use PDF format. Click Here >

Prospective Member Enquiries >

SMS your PERSAL/PERSOL number to:
083 450 4367
join@gems.gov.za | More Contacts >

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