Principal Officer

Winter is here and we have the opportunity to reflect, review and renew. While change may well be uncomfortable, it is without doubt also filled with great opportunities.

One such change is the election of new GEMS member trustees. The term of office of three member elected trustees who have served the Scheme comes to an end in July. We wish to thank Mr. Marthinus Brand, Mr. Adriaan van Wyk and Ms. Kgomotso Kgang for the valuable contribution they have made and the commitment they have shown in ensuring that the interests of all GEMS members were safeguarded at all times. As founding trustees of a large and pioneering medical scheme, they played a fundamental role, not only in the history of GEMS, but also in the history of healthcare funding within South Africa. We take this opportunity to also thank Ms. Vuyelwa Vumendlini for the role she has played as a trustee and Deputy Chair of the Board. Ms. Vumendlini, an employer appointed trustee, leaves the Board to take up a new post as Senior Advisor at the World Bank in America. Let us warmly welcome the newly elected and appointed trustees who will take office in July 2010.

Another positive change is the dawning of the era of the informed healthcare consumer. At GEMS it is our goal to ensure that all our members embrace this concept to the fullest. We do not forget why people join a medical scheme and it is our objective to ensure that our members receive, at the very least, what they are entitled to - accessible, affordable and high-quality healthcare.

It's winter, it's cold and you may well be experiencing flu-like symptoms, but don't despair! You've got GEMS in your corner to keep you fit and healthy.

Warm regards
Eugene
Principal Officer