The Congress of South African Trade Unions (COSATU) welcomes the African National Congress led government’s timely assurances that retired military personnel’s medical fund cover remains safe.  Reports indicating that the Regular Force Medical Continuation Fund is facing severe financial crises and may be unable to honour commitments to retired members of the South African National Defence Force (SANDF) and their dependents from 1 November 2026 have been extremely distressing.

COSATU appreciates commitments to Parliament by the Minister for Defence, Ms. Angie Motshekga, that the approximately 21 000 main beneficiaries plus their dependents will continue to enjoy their full benefits.  We cannot afford to take such urgent and potentially life-threatening matters lightly.

Reports indicating a shortfall in funding for the Fund of R166 million in the previous financial year and approximately R40 million monthly, requires urgent short-, medium- and long-term interventions by Treasury to ensure that the state fulfills its legally binding obligations to these retired military personnel and their dependents.

SANDF personnel risk life and limb in service of the nation.  They have made the nation proud with their continuous deployments in support of the South African Police Service at home and in peacekeeping missions across Africa since 1994.  They have the right to expect the state to honour their commitments to provide medical cover in their retirement, more so since SANDF members contribute to it monthly.  This is neither a perk, nor a luxury.  It is a legally binding contract by the employer with their current and former employees and their dependents. 

These are the real consequences of the mismanagement and neglect of frontline public services and ill-considered austerity budget cuts.  It is urgent that Treasury intervene to ensure this funding crisis is swiftly resolved before 1 November, that discussions on a possible integration of the Fund into the Government Employees Medical Scheme be undertaken and that a lasting long-term solution be put in place, in particular the rolling out of the National Health Insurance to ensure all South Africans have access to affordable, quality healthcare.

COSATU will continue to engage on progressive solutions with the Ministries for Defence and Finance on this burning crisis to ensure that all serving and retired members of the SANDF and their families’ health needs are taken care of at all times.

Issued by COSATU

Matthew Parks (COSATU Parliamentary Coordinator)

Mobile: 082 785 0687

Email: matthew@cosatu.org.za