2026/05/12

GEMS INCREASE REDUCED FOLLOWING CONSTANT PRESSURE

The SAOU welcomes the announcement made by COSATU and FEDUSA on 7 May 2026 that GEMS has responded to sustained pressure from organised labour by withdrawing the proposed 9,5% increase in member contributions and replacing it with a reduced increase.

The revised contribution increase of 7.5% will come into effect on 1 July 2026. The revised offer will not be backdated.

The Board of Trustees of GEMS further indicated that serious consideration will also be given to the additional proposals submitted by labour federations. This development follows sustained action by organised labour, of which the SAOU formed part. Such action included protest marches to GEMS offices, the utilisation of appropriate political and legal processes, as well as the mobilisation of members to clearly express their dissatisfaction.

Through their unions, workers sent a clear message that excessive cost increases would not be accepted without resistance.

GEMS was originally established with the purpose of providing public servants access to affordable, high-quality medical cover comparable to that of commercial medical schemes, while at the same time placing the interests of public servants and their families first.

The SAOU believes that GEMS must return to this core mandate. Increasing cost pressures, higher claims and concerns regarding sustainability cannot be placed solely on the shoulders of members. Weak financial planning and institutional shortcomings should not be funded by workers.

In addition to the reduction of the proposed increase, organised labour continues to call for the following:

• Full transparency regarding administrative costs, contracts, outsourcing, procurement processes and executive remuneration within GEMS.
• An independent forensic audit into governance practices, procurement processes, anti-corruption measures and the funding of the reserve target.
• Further engagement regarding the Tanzanite One amendments that have placed additional financial pressure on members.
• Permanent representation of organised labour on the GEMS Board of Trustees to ensure accountability, transparency and meaningful worker participation in decision-making processes.

For the SAOU, this development serves as an important indication of what can be achieved when members, unions and negotiators act collectively in the interests of workers. We express our appreciation to our leadership, negotiators and members who contributed towards resisting a culture of unilateral decision-making and promoting a culture of collective engagement.

The SAOU further commits itself to maintaining constructive pressure and engagement to ensure that the revised member contributions are implemented timeously and without complications.

Pretoria High School for Girls
matter

The SAOU welcomes final court outcome relating to Pretoria High School for Girls matter.

The SAOU notes with satisfaction that the matter relating to Pretoria High School for Girls has now finally been brought to conclusion through the judgment and settlement that was confirmed as an order of the Labour Court on 21 April 2026.

Although the terms of the settlement remain confidential, it is important to note that this matter arose against the background of a grievance process that was not adequately and fairly addressed. From the outset, the SAOU maintained that employees are entitled to a proper, responsive and fair process when grievances and serious concerns are raised.

The final court order and settlement therefore represent not only a victory for the member concerned, but also reaffirm the importance of procedural fairness, accountability and the employer’s duty to treat grievances seriously and address them timeously.

The SAOU respects the confidentiality agreement that forms part of the settlement and will accordingly not disclose any further details. We do, however, believe that this outcome sends a clear message that educators and employees should neither be ignored nor subjected to unfair processes.

We express our appreciation to the member concerned for her dignity and perseverance, as well as to the SAOU legal team for handling the matter with professionalism and commitment.

The SAOU remains committed to protecting the dignity, rights and professional standing of every member.

WOMEN'S LEADERSHIP SEMINAR 2026

It's again time for the ever-popular women's leadership seminar!

Leadership is not just about management; it is about the courage to stand firm when it matters most. We invite all aspiring women leaders in education to an empowering seminar focused on our 2026 theme: Where Courage and Leadership Meet.

True leadership requires the heart to inspire and the backbone to decide. This seminar is designed to help you bridge that gap and transform your potential into a powerful presence in your school and community.

Date: 28 - 29 August 2026

Venue: Boardwalk Hotel and Conference Centre, Gqeberha

Register here

Principals' symposium 2026

It's time to step up, improve your position and flex those leadership muscles! We invite all principals and deputy principals – both male and female – to join us for this years power event: The 30th SAOU Principals Symposium.

Leadership is not just a title; it's an endurance sport. This year, we're focusing on the "heavy lifting" of school management, providing you with the strategy and stamina needed to lead your school to victory

The SAOU Principals’ Symposium 2026 promises to, once again, exceed all expectations!

Date: 30 August – 2 September 2026

Venue: Boardwalk Hotel and Conference Centre, Gqeberha

Register here  - there are only limited places available.