The Board of Trustees is responsible for providing guidance on the scheme's strategic direction, overseeing the implementation of the strategic plan by the scheme’s management and managing the organisation’s risk.
The Board of Trustees exercises its powers and performs its duties, as documented in the Rules governing the scheme.
The Board of Trustees also deliberate on matters relating to the scheme's benefits and contributions. The Board of Trustees consists of 12 individuals who are considered ‘fit and proper’ people to sit on the Board.
Fifty percent of the trustees are elected by the scheme’s members through a ballot process, while the remaining fifty percent are appointed by the Minister for Public Service and Administration.
Who is Dr Sebayitseng Millicent Hlatshwayo?
Dr Sebayitseng Millicent Hlatshwayo is a South African citizen residing in Midrand. She is a qualified Medical Doctor with more than 15 years’ experience in the health industry. She was appointed as Chairperson of the Board of Trustees in September 2019. She brings to her role at GEMS her Clinical and Administration skills. She is currently a member of the GEMS Human Resources and Remuneration Committee, and the Chairperson of the GEMS Clinical Governance and Administration Committee. She is also a director at Meneli Medicals Pty Ltd and Sebay transport and general.
Career Highlights include:
Dr Hlatshwayo is the Chairperson of GEMS Board of Trustees and currently practices at Arwyp Medical centre where she served as a Clinical Manager. She also runs the OR-Tambo International Airport (ORTIA) Travel Clinic since 2013. She worked in various hospitals around Gauteng and internationally.
Internationally she worked at :
Dr Millicent Hlatshwayo holds the following qualifications:
Dr Millie Hlatshwayo obtained a Bachelor of Medicine, Bachelor of Surgery (MBChB) Bachelor of Science (B.Sc) majored with Biochemistry, Chemistry and Psychology at Medical University of South Africa. She further enhanced her knowledge by doing the following courses: Palliative Care, Human Immunodeficiency Viruses (HIV), Neonatal Resuscitation, Sexual Assault and Dispensing Courses. She also did Basic Life Support (BLS), Advanced Cardiovascular Life Support (ACLS), Advanced Trauma Life Support (ATLS) .Completed a Travel medicine course with Wits University (SASTM) Dr Hlatshwayo is a member of the SAMDP, the Health Professions Council of South Africa (HPCSA), Institute of Directors (IoDSA), and The Ethics Institute (TEI)
Tenure Expires on 05 March 2024
Who is Dr Kobus Van Zyl?
Mr Izak van Zyl is a South African citizen living in Parys. A retired Teacher and was elected by GEMS members serve on the GEMS Board of Trustees. He serves in the Risk Social and Ethics Committee and the Human Resources and Remuneration Committee, bringing in his expertise in Labour Relations.
Career Highlight include:
From 1980 – 1990 Dr Kobus van Zyl worked at National Manpower Commission, Research and advice on manpower policy and developed a comprehensive labour strategy for South Africa. He was the Director of the NMC, from 1985 to 1990. 1991 – 1995: Department of Labour - Chief Director (Labour Relations) responsible for the administration of the Labour Relations Act, Basic Conditions of Employment Act, Wage Act, Labour Court and Wage Board, from 1996 – 2010: ArcelorMittal SA – Chief Consultant (Labour Relations). Design and implement a new strategy and systems for labour relations within the framework of the new (1995) Labour Relations Act. From 2011 he worked as a Private Business and Labour Consultant.
Dr Van Zyl’s qualifications include:
B Mil, Hons B Com (Personnel Management), MBA, PhD (Industrial Economics), Industrial Relations Development Programme. Dr Van Zyl is a member of the Institute of Directors (IoDSA) and The Ethics Institute (TEI).
Who is Dr Nomzamo Tutu?
Dr Tutu is a South African citizen residing in Kwa Zulu Natal. Dr Tutu mostly specialises in both medicine and surgery. Her vast experience in Health and Safety derives from having rendered her services across a range of industry-types, including chemicals, packaging, logistics, rail services, breweries and the wine and food industries. Dr Tutu also previously sat in the Board of Engineering Council of South Africa (ECSA) where she served in various committees, chairing the Finance and Staff and the Transformation Committees. Dr Tutu also serves as a Commissioner in the KwaZulu Natal Provincial Planning Commission (PPC). She is a GEMS Board Member and serves in the Audit Committee, and Finance & Investment Committee, bringing expertise such as Clinical, Construction, Investments and Property Investments.
Career Highlights include:
Having attained her qualification in Medicine and Surgery, Dr Tutu worked at King Edward Hospital between years 1995 to 1999 before venturing into a private medical business, which she ran for many years.Whilst working in the private sector space, she opted to pursue a Diploma in Occupational Health qualification because of the exposure to various industries. Her decision was based on the realisation that Workplace Health and Safety was not a matter of choice for industry, but a business imperative.
Her qualifications include:
Dr Tutu studied a Bachelor of Science Degree (BSc) from the University of Zululand, Bachelor of Medicine and Bachelor of Surgery (MBChB) in 1994 from Medunsa, Post Graduate Diploma in Occupational Health (DOH) from the University of Natal and a Post Graduate Diploma in HIV/AIDS Management in the World of Work (PDM) from University of Stellenbosch / Medunsa. Dr Tutu is also a member of the Institute of Directors (IoDSA) and The Ethics Institute (TEI).
Tenure Expires on 29 July 2026
Who is Mr Marthinus Brand?
Mr Marthinus Brand is a South African citizen and is a retired teacher with 40 years’ experience in the education profession. After being principal of President High School in Cape Town, he worked as a School Evaluator/Inspector for the Western Cape Education Department during the years 2010 to 2017. Mr Brand is a GEMS Board Member and serves in the Finance and Investment Committee as well as in the Risk, Social and Ethics Committee.
Non-Teaching Career Highlights Include:
Mr Brand is a member elected GEMS Trustee. He was also a member of the first permanent Board of Trustees of GEMS after its inception, from 2007-2013. He was chairperson of the GEMS Governance Committee and also a member of the Ex Gratia Committee. Mr Brand served as a Board member (Community Representative) of the Professional Board for Physiotherapy, Podiatry and Biokinetics (HPCSA) between the years 2010 to 2015. Since 2018 he was also a member of the OCP Professional Board (HPCSA).
Mr Brand’s Qualifications include:
Mr Brand has acquired the following qualifications: BA Stellenbosch Univ. 1968, Hons BA: (History) Stellenbosch Univ. 1980, and B Ed Stellenbosch Univ.1986. He is currently a member of the Institute of Directors (IoDSA).
Tenure Expires on 24 September 2025
Who is Mr Rakgama Billy Manoko?
Mr Rakgama Andries Manoko is a South African citizen residing staying in Johannesburg. He has gained vast knowledge and experience in the
Magistrate’s and High Court Litigation, Maintenance, Matrimonial Matters, Debt
Collection, Third Party Claims, Administration of Estates. Mr. Manoko Specializes in
General Municipal Law, Corporate Transactional Advice, Strategic Planning and
Investigations. Mr Manoko forms part of the GEMS Board of Trustees and serves in the Audit Committee and Clinical Governance and Administration Committee.
Career Highlights include:
Mr. Manoko has served as a. EXCO member, Board member and Chairperson in the Licensing Committee for the South African Diamond Board. He also served as Chairperson of the Disciplinary Hearing in Westonaria Local Council Municipality, Legal Adviser on Labor matters - Sports, Culture and Recreation, Local Committee of the Gauteng Liquor Board for West Rand District. He served as a Chairperson of the Board of Directors of the West Rand Development. He was also a Board Member - in the Mogale City Municipality, a Board member of the Merafong hospital, Deputy Chairperson of the SA Diamond and precious metal regulator and a Member of Black Lawyers Association.
Mr Manoko holds the following qualifications:
B.Proc (1989), LLB (1992), Commercial Law Certificate (Law Society of South Africa (2011)), Corporate Governance Certificate (2010), and North West Department of Health (2008). He is a member of Black Lawyers Association with more than 20 years of experience in the law industry. A member of the Institute of Directors (IoDSA) and The Ethics Institute (TEI)
Tenure Expires on 06 March 2024
Who is Mrs Conny Ntshane?
Constance Nkobane Ntshane is a South African citizen staying in Nelspruit. Among her other achievements she has completed her dissertation on the effectiveness of rehabilitation on the correctional services and she also completed a needs analysis survey for the health and social services in Mpumalanga She is a GEMS Board of Trustees Member and serves in the Finance and Investment Committee and Clinical Governance and Administration Committee. Bringing in expertise such as Employee Wellness matters.
Career Highlights include:
She is working as a Deputy Director at the Department of Health Mpumalanga Provincial Government.
Mrs Ntshane’s qualifications include:
Mrs Ntshane acquired the following qualifications, BA Hon.: Social Work – UNISA – 2001, Certificates: Gender Excellence – UP, Employee Assistance Programme (EAP) – UP, Employee Wellness Programme – UP. Mrs Ntshane is also a member of the Institute of Directors (IoDSA) and The Ethics Institute (TEI).
Tenure Expires on 24 September 2025
Who is Dr Johan Smit?
Dr Johan Smit is a South African citizen residing in Limpopo. He qualified as dentist in 1975 at the University of Pretoria (UP). Worked as a temporary dentist at the then Transvaal Provincial Administration (TPA) from June to December 1975. In private practice, he worked at Luton, United Kingdom, during 1976 until end February 1977 and returned to South Africa to work permanently for the TPA as from 1 April 1977. Dr Smit is a GEMS Board of Trustees Member.
Career Highlights Include:
He was promoted to Senior Superintendent: Dental Services in the Northern Transvaal Region on 1 August 1977. Studied part time post graduate at UP in Public Dental Health and Public Health Administration for the period 1981 to 1984. Both qualifications are registered with the HPCSA. He was promoted to national office of the Department of Health and Welfare in January 1983 as Deputy Director: Preventive and Promotive Dentistry. Promoted to Director in the same office on 1 June 1985. Promoted to Chief Director: Dentistry, internationally known as Chief Dental Officer (CDO), on 1 May 1991. He was nationally responsible for all 6 Oral and Dental Training Hospitals, and all Public Oral Health Services. Due to the new Government, after the democratic elections in 1994 and transfer of the academic Oral and Dental Training Hospitals and Public Oral Health Services (clinical services) from the national Department of Health to the provincial departments of health the Chief Directorate was restructured to become a Directorate (CDO status remained) as from 1 July 1999. He currently serves on the Allied Health Professions Council of South Africa (AHPCSA) and the Professional Board for Dental Assisting, Dental Therapy and Oral Hygiene of the Health Professions Council of South Africa (HPCSA).
Dr Smit Qualifications include:
BCHD (Dentistry) UP, DTVG (Dental Public Health) UP and DGA (Public Health Administration) UP.He is a member of the Institute of Directors (IoDSA) and The Ethics Institute (TEI). He is a member of the South African Dental Association (SADA).
Who is Mr Pierre Francois De Villiers
Chief Education Specialist in the Directorate: Curriculum Delivery and Support (TVET Colleges) in the Department of Higher Education and Training, managing curriculum development and support of Engineering related subjects
Career Highlights:
Mr Pierre Francois De Villiers has 33 years’ experience in the education sector with extensive experience in Resulting and Certification, and Curriculum Design practises of Technical Vocational Education and Training (TVET) College students. He was a Chief Education Specialist managing and administering resulting and certification processes of approximately 1 200 000 TVET College students for 11 years.
His experience in Subject Advisory Services range from Senior Education Specialist, First Education Specialist, Principal Education Specialist, Deputy Chief Education Specialist to acting Chief Education Specialist in the Gauteng Department of Education. He has experience in performance management development processes and served as the Chairperson of Primary and Secondary School Governing Bodies.
Qualifications:
Holds a NND (Engineering Studies) from Ekurhuleni West TVET College, Teachers Diploma from the University of Pretoria and a B.Ed. and M.Ed. qualification from the University of Johannesburg. He is a member of the South African Council of Educators (SACE) and the Institute of Directors S Africa (IoDSA).
Who is Ms. Precious Lebohang Khumalo
Ms Precious Lebohang Khumalo is a qualified professional nurse who brings to GEMS core strengths and knowledge in the hospital and health care industry, Project Management, Public Speaking, Healthcare Information Technology, acute care and wound care.
Career Highlights include:
Ms Precious Lebohang Khumlao is currently an Acting Chief Executive Officer at Heidelberg Hospital. She was also a PHC Clinical Practitioner / Acting Operational Manager at Pholosong Hospital with her role focusing on community outreach programmes.
Ms Lebohang Khumalo also worked as a Research Nurse at Wits RHI. She has also worked in Occupational Health assisting with HIV Counselling and Testing during Wellness Days, Conducting Periodic Medical Check-ups, conducting Lung Function Test and Audiometry Tests.
Ms Precious Lebohang Khumalo has served at Ekurhuleni Aids Council from the year 2013 to 2018. She is also the Regional Secretary at Denosa. She is the founding member of COSATU Young Workers Forum. She was responsible for the establishment of Pholosong Hospital Wound Care Management Clinic.
Career Highlights:
She holds a Diploma in Clinical Nursing Science and a Diploma In General Nursing both from Ann Latsky Nursing College. An Advanced Certificate in Project Management from the University of Kwa-Zulu Natal and Advance Certificate in Healthcare Management from the Foundation for Professional Development.
Dr Izak Jacobus Van Zyl
Dr Nomzamo Tutu
Mr Marthinus Brand
Mr Rakgama Andries Manoko
Ms Constence Ntshane
Dr Johan Smit
Mr Pierre Francois De Villiers
Ms Precious Lebohang Khumalo
Who is Dr Stan Moloabi?
Stanley is a qualified Medical Practitioner registered with the Health Professions Council of South Africa (the HPCSA).
Career highlights include:
He started his Medical career as a Medical Officer in the Public Sector then as a Private Family Practitioner, successfully running a Clinical Private Practice for 13 years. He joined the Corporate Sector in August 2005. He worked at Medscheme and served as a member of the Managed Care division Exco. He then joined GEMS as the Executive of Healthcare Management and served as the GEMS Acting Principal Officer for a period of a year. He then left GEMS to assume duties as the Principal Officer of Medshield Medical Scheme one of the top ten Open Medical Schemes by size that are registered in South Africa, a position he held until 15 May 2018.
He re-joined GEMS as the Chief Operations Officer from 01 June 2018 until 31 January 2020. GEMS is the second biggest medical scheme and the biggest closed medical scheme registered in South Africa. He is now the Principal Officer of the Government Employees Medical Scheme from 01 February 2020.
Dr Stan Moloabi holds the following qualifications:
Dr Stan Moloabi obtained his primary medical degree – MBChB at the then Medical University of Southern Africa (MEDUNSA) now known as Sefako Makgato University (SMU). He obtained a Certificate on Global Health Delivery online course from Harvard University. During 2019, he attended and participated in a short course on Leading in Health Systems: Integrating Effort, Improving Outcomes receiving a certificate from Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health and various other Continuing Professional Development attendance courses.
Who is Dr Ingrid Pooe?
Dr. Ingrid Pooe has been appointed as GEMS's Chief Operations Officer (COO) effective from 1 June 2022. Dr. Pooe is a registered Occupational Medical Practitioner with over 19 years of experience in the healthcare industry in both the public and private sectors. In the last 8 years she was a Regional Medical Manager and Medical Advisory support to the overall business at Rand Mutual Assurance, a licensed worker’s compensation insurance within a financial service provider.
Career Highlights
Dr. Pooe worked in the healthcare mining industry in Botswana in various clinical disciplines where she was overseeing the Anesthetics department. She also oversaw mobile prosthetic clinics for workers’ compensation ex-miners in South Africa, Lesotho and Botswana.
She has delivered lectures at the University of Pretoria to postgraduate diploma students on the Occupational Health COIDA Act. She was also part of the Medical Advisory support to the South African Compensation Fund strategy which reviewed and aligned the COIDA Act instructions with international impairment assessment guidelines.
Attributing to her vast skill-set which includes project management, in her previous job Dr. Pooe was the Project Owner of a successful pharmacy benefits management program which improved cost-management, operational efficiency and customer experience outcomes and as a member of the internal COVID-19 committee, she managed the risk of COVID-19 vaccine hesitancy in the workplace through communication strategies at the CEO, COO and CFO’s town halls to build confidence in vaccines. She successfully maximized voluntary uptake of COVID-19 vaccinations at her workplace in support of the national drive towards reaching herd immunity.
Dr Ingrid Pooe holds the following qualifications:
Dr. Pooe has an International Executive Master of Business Administration (MBA) from Henley Business School through the University of Reading, an MBChB degree from the University of Kwa-Zulu Natal and Post Graduate diplomas in Anesthetics (College of Medicine South Africa), HIV Management (College of Medicine South Africa) and Occupational Health (Wits University). Dr. Pooe is also a Certified Independent Medical Examiner (CIME) and advanced Master CIME achieved through the American Board of Independent Medical Examiners. She has First Level Regulatory Financial Service Board Certificate in Financial Services Providers (Sole Proprietors) and Key Individuals in Categories I, II, IIA, and IV Financial and Intermediary Services Act.
As a passionate leader in her field Dr. Pooe is a member of a number of professional bodies such as the South African Safety of Occupational Medicine, Mine Medical Professionals Association of SA, International Commission on Occupational Health, and the American College of Independent Medical Examiners, and College of Medicine of South Africa
Who is Dr Selaelo Mametja?
Dr Selaelo Mametja brings to her roles as the GEMS Chief Research Officer core strengths in public health, health economics, management, health policy; the medical aid industry, bioethics & law and pharmacoeconomics.
Career highlights include:
Dr Mametja oversees product development, knowledge management and actuarial and analytical services, reinforcing the Scheme’s competitiveness through innovative research and development programmes.
Dr Mametja comes to GEMS from the South African Medical Association, where she was head of knowledge management and research for five years. Before that, she was a health economist with the Council for Medical Schemes, developing and prioritising mandatory healthcare.
A member of several professional bodies, including the Health Professions Council of South Africa and the General Medical Council, she is also a fellow of the College of Public Health Medicine of South Africa. Her expertise has led to several ministerial appointments over the years including working groups of the World Medical Association and the local chapter of the UNESCO Bioethics Committee.
Dr Selaelo Mameja holds the following qualifications:
She holds a Masters in Medicine Degree in Public Health from University of Cape Town (UCT), a Certificate in Business Management from UNISA and a Bachelor of Medicine and Surgery degree from the University of the Witwatersrand. Postgraduate Diplomas in Health Management, from UCT, completes her academic portfolio. She lectures in public health, health policy and bioethics & law at various universities.
Who is Dr Samuel Lewatle?
Dr Samuel Lewatle is an experienced Executive with a demonstrated history of working in private and public sector organisations and managing own management consulting business.
Career highlights include:
A teacher by profession, having taught for five (5) years at both the public and private schools in the early 1990’s. Former founder and director of Learning and Achievement Centre (NGO). Sam has worked and managed extensively internationally in countries such as Ghana, Nigeria, DR Congo, Zimbabwe, Sierra Leone, Kenya, Uganda and South Africa. He has travelled and attended training in management and leadership in countries such as USA, UK, Germany and France. Sam has business consulting experience, having advised and participated in the facilitation of the Batho Pele Principles (SAMDI) also in the Wage Negotiations as Chief Negotiator (CWU), strategy / training development in repositioning SASSA during its formation across the country.
Skilled in Strategic Management, Human Resources Management, Industrial/ Labour Relations, Business and Executive Coaching, Business Consulting, Broad Based Black Economic Empowerment (Transformation), Business Management, Driving and leading Change, Strategic Implementation and Execution, Driving Performance Management as a Business Strategy, Supply Chain Management (Procurement), Policy Formulation and Implementation, Risk and Project Management alignment to strategy, and Facilities Management (FM). Key strong capabilities/ competencies around strategy implementation / transitioning /execution, building high performing teams and driving business and people transformation.
Member of the Executive committee, serves in the Board of Trustees sub committees (Human Resources and Remuneration, Risk and Social Ethics and Finance and Investment), member of the Project Steering Committee ( Insourcing / Building of Internal Capabilities) and in the Board as part of the Executive team. Over 20 years in management and top leadership positions.
Dr Samuel Lewatle holds the following qualifications:
Dr Samuel Lewatle holds a Master in Business Administration-MBA degree (Oxford Brookes University, UK), National Education Diploma (Kathorus College of Education - RSA), Post Graduate Certificate in Executive Leadership (Vaal University of Technology- RSA), Certificate in Executive and Business Coaching (Milpark Business School- RSA). A Board of Healthcare Funders Trustee Training certificate with Wits Business School (RSA). Strong business development professional with a Doctor of Business Administration (DBA) degree, specialising in Human Resources Management from LIGS University, USA. Sam’s dissertation and thesis defense paper titled Alignment of Performance Management and Business Strategy within the Government Employee Medical Scheme (GEMS) in South Africa achieved a Grade/ Credit: 9/ A (Excellent) rating. In 2018, Sam participated and presented a research paper in the International Doctoral Conference on New Challenges in Global Economy organized by LIGS University. Sam has published four research articles (4) in Human Resources Management, Strategic Management, Change Management and Planning and Development. In 2020, he completed the Oxford Executive Leadership program (Said Oxford Business School, UK).
Registered with the South African Board for People Practice as a Master Human Resources Practitioner (SABPP), Member of the Institute of Directors Southern Africa (IODSA), Broad Based Black Economic Empowerment Association, Africa Supply Chain Management in Action (Ambassador), Accredited and Certified as a Human Resources Auditor by the South African Board for People Practice (SABPP.
Who is Ms Gloria Nkadimeng?
Prior to joining GEMS, Ms Gloria Nkadimeng was Group Head Information & Communication Technology at the City of Johannesburg, Public Services Business Executive at Gijima, Enterprise Strategy Consultant at Microsoft and General Manager Information Management at the City of Tshwane
Career highlights include:
Currently, Ms Gloria Nkadimeng is charged with providing strategic leadership, vision and direction to the ICT Division in rendering Information and Communication Technology services to GEMS.
Ms Gloria Nkadimeng holds the following Qualifications:
Ms Gloria Nkadimeng holds a Masters Degree in Automated Management Systems acquired in Havana, Cuba. Certificate in Business Management from the Centre for Business Management, UNISA.
Who is Dr Phumelela Dhlomo?
Dr Phumelela Dhlomo is a qualified chartered marketer (CMSA) and brings with more than 20 years’ experience in corporate communication, strategic management and brand communication. He is a member of the International Association of Business Communicators, the Marketing Association of South Africa and the Public Relations Institute of South Africa, Dr Phumelela Dhlomo brings a wealth of experience to GEMS.
Career Highlights
Dr Phumelela Dhlomo’s career has included working with major brands on the African continent and globally in the fast - moving consumer goods, financial services, advertising, retail, tourism and the public sectors. He joined the scheme on 1 July 2019.
Dr Phumelela Dhlomo holds the following qualifications:
Dr Phumelela Dhlomo holds a PhD CMSA obtained at Da Vinci Institute of Technology, a Master of Business Administration from Milpark Business School and Master of Commerce degree from the University of South Africa.
Who is Dr Vuyokazi Gqola?
Dr Vuyo Gqola is a registered Medical Practitioner with the Health Professions Council of South Africa (HPCSA). She has worked at various State health institutions, with particular experience in Pediatrics and HIV Management. She joined the managed care industry in 2010, and was appointed as GEMS Executive: Healthcare Management in September 2015. She heads the Scheme’s Healthcare Management Division which is responsible for managed care services, including clinical risk management, healthcare networks, provider relations, tariffs and billing, tariff negotiations, and healthcare strategic sourcing.
Career highlights include:
Dr Vuyokazi Gqola has implemented the Emerald Value Option, which has resulted in improved outcomes and subsequently won the 2019 Board of Healthcare Funders Titanium Award for Creating Access to HealthCare. Successful annual tariff negotiations from 2015 to date and implemented the GEMS Hospital Network for EVO and Tanzanite One.
Dr Vuyo Gqola holds the following qualifications:
BSc (UKZN); BSc Hons Microbiology (UKZN); MBChB (UCT); MBA in Healthcare Leadership (Stellenbosch University); Certificate in Global Health Delivery (Harvard University).
Who is Mr Evan Theys?
Evan Theys joined GEMS on 1 February 2018 as Company Secretary and Legal Counsel.
Career highlights include:
He is an admitted attorney with experience in the life insurance industry and as a Company Secretary, and has been in various sectors of the medical schemes industry for the past 19 years.
Evan Theys holds the following qualifications:
Evan Theys has a BA LLB from the University of the Western Cape, a LLM and Postgraduate Diploma in Tax Law from the University of Cape Town and a MBA from Stellenbosch University.
Who is Mr. Andre Cowley?
Mr. Cowley has over 20 years of experience in governance, risk management, compliance, strategy, engineering, project management, business intelligence, knowledge management, information management, and organisational restructuring. He has worked in large and multinational organisations as a specialist, senior manager and functional manager, as well as in medical schemes, consulting, manufacturing, construction and engineering, research and development and retail.
Career Highlights include:
Mr. Andre Cowley holds the following qualifications:
Bachelors Degree in Engineering; Master Degree in Engineering (University of Stellenbosch)
Certified Risk Management Practitioner; Certified Risk Management Professional (Institute of Risk Management South Africa)
Who is Mrs Karyna Van Lingen
Mrs Karyna Van Lingen has extensive experience in directing organisational finance, operations and compliance functions.
Career highlights include:
A five-year tenure as Head of Finance at the Competition Commission responsible for Strategic and Business Planning (finance area), People Management, Basic Administration and Compliance, Policy Implementation and Service Delivery.
She joined GEMS in 2007 and is responsible for implementing the Scheme strategy, in particular managing Scheme finances, Scheme investments, implementation and processing of financial, accounting and administrative requirements (inclusive of relevant policies and related compliance matters) as well as directing and oversight of Scheme actuarial work and external audits.
Mrs Karyna Van Lingen holds the following Qualifications:
CA (SA), B Compt, B Compt (HONS), Postgraduate Diploma in Auditing CA(SA), Senior Management Programme – UP, Director membership – IOD, Director membership – Sirdar SA, Member – SAICA – CA (SA)
Who is Ms Masingita Chavalala?
Ms. Masingita Chavalala has over 17 years’ professional experience gained in both the public and private sector. She started her career as a project consultant for a management consulting firm and has, throughout her career gained a wealth of knowledge in strategy management, project portfolio management, programme management and business integration. She joined GEMS in 2015 as a Senior Manager: Project Management responsible for the establishment and management of the the GEMS Project Management Office (PMO). She was appointed as Executive Manager: Office of the Principal Officer from 01 June 2022 responsible for the oversight, monitoring and delivery of key strategic initiatives whilst supporting the Principal Officer in the management and implementation of the GEMS strategy. Ms Chavalala is a member of the Institute of Directors SA (IoDSA) and is passionate about strategy, governance and service delivery excellence.
Career Highlights
Some of Ms Chavalala's career highlights include, being appointmented as Acting Chief Administration Officer during a vital transition period within GEMS (December 2016 to October 2018). Spearheading the establishment of the GEMS Project Management Office. Part of a team that successfully established a National Government Department after the 2009 National Elections (Economic Development Department which has since merged with the Department of Trade, Industry and Competition).
Ms Masingita Chavalala holds the following qualifications:
Ms Chavalala holds a Master of Business Administration – MBA (Regent Business School), a Postgraduate Diploma in Programme Management (Cranefield College), Advanced Diploma in Project Management (Cranefield College) and Certificates in Advanced Strategic Management (UNISA). Ms Chavalala has also participated in professional development courses including General Management Programme (GIBS), Organisational Leadership Programme (Harvard Business School) and a Course in Digital Transformation Strategy (UCT).
Who is Mr. Zaahir Elias?
Mr. Zaahir Elias is a Qualified Chartered Accountant and a Certified Internal Auditor (SA). He is also a skilled Executive Financial Management Professional with 23 years of experience.13 years of experience in Audit, Risk Management and Forensic Investigations at a Director level, in industries such as chemical, mining, agriculture, transportation and Logistics, Shipping and has extensive experience in the Public Sector. Zaahir’s role has been to provide crucial management advice on reporting, compliance, risk management and internal controls, ensuring the alignment of organisational strategy and resources to an organisation’s vision and governance policy.
Career Highlights include:
Mr. Zaahir Elias holds the following qualifications:
Who is Ms Lusanda Diba?
Ms Diba is an Industrial Engineering professional, experienced in business optimization and operations management, with particular focus on driving continuous improvement and implementing Total Quality Management and its principles. She joined the healthcare industry in 2010 as GEMS Fund Manager before moving on to join the banking sector medical schemes. Her service within the banking sector medical schemes culminated in her heading up the Client Management (Employer Groups) Division where she led the retention of participating banks whilst also growing the Scheme through new banks joining the medical scheme. She joined GEMS in August 2022 as Senior Manager: Administration and Transaction Services.
Career Highlights
Ms Lusanda Diba Lead regional operations for independent audit towards the implementation of the ISO 9001: 2008 Quality Management Standard. She Implemented the Occupational Health and Safety Management System from scratch, with the project receiving positive outcomes at the first inspection from the Compliance Office, of one of the prestigious Johannesburg Retail and Office Precincts.
Ms Lusanda Diba also implemented an Employment Equity Compliance Management System, which received positive outcomes from the very first inspection by the Department of Employment and Labour. She successfully negotiated the retention of significant Clients (Employer Groups).
Ms Lusanda Diba holds a B-Tech in Industrial Engineering from the Tshwane University of Technology and a Postgraduate Diploma in Leadership Development from the University of Stellenbosch Business School.
Dr Stan Moloabi
Dr Ingrid Pooe
Dr Selaelo Mametja
Dr Samuel Lewatle
Ms Gloria Nkadimeng
Dr Phumelela Dhlomo
Dr Vuyokazi Gqola
Mr Evan Theys
Mr Andre Cowley
Mrs Karyna Van Lingen
Ms Masingita Chavalala
Mr Zaahir Elias
Ms Lusanda Diba
At GEMS we believe that every one of our members matter. That is why we have prepared the member newsletter to focus on your specific needs.