Request for Proposal processes conducted in line with regulatory guidelines
During June 2025, we commenced an open Request for Proposal (RFP) process inviting suitably accredited healthcare administrators and managed care organisations to participate. The Scheme’s current administrator, Medscheme (contracted until 31 May 2026), had been appointed for the past 43 years. The RFP process allowed the Scheme to benchmark its current offerings in terms of administration and managed care services and allow potential service providers the opportunity to present their proposals with innovation, optimisation and improvement at its core. Governance oversight was of critical importance with independent auditors appointed and due diligence conducted to ensure appropriate outcomes.

The way forward
After careful consideration, and independent ratification as outlined above, we are pleased to announce that from 1 June 2026, Momentum Health will be appointed as the Scheme administrator and Private Healthcare Administrators will be appointed for managed care services. Both entities possess the necessary capability and expertise to meet the needs of stakeholders and have demonstrated that they have the necessary skill to exceed expectations and support us in our strategic objectives.

We remain committed to supporting you and your dependants
These changes will not impact your access to benefits and services. Please continue using the current Bonitas communication channels for any assistance you may require. Further updates will be communicated as we get closer to the transition date.

Preventative care is of great importance. In South Africa, around 110 000 new cancer cases are diagnosed each year. These numbers highlight just how essential regular screenings and early check-ups are. When cancer is detected early, treatment can begin sooner, more options may be available, and health outcomes can improve. Early detection also helps individuals feel more informed, prepared and in control of their healthcare journey. Taking simple proactive steps, such as routine screenings and paying attention to changes in your body, can make a life-changing difference.

We understand that a cancer diagnosis can feel overwhelming. Our Oncology Management Programme is designed to support you throughout your treatment journey by guiding you on appropriate treatment options, helping ensure your care aligns with your available benefits, and providing clinical support and coordination when you need it most. This support aims to give you clarity and reassurance during what can be a complex and emotional time.

You are not alone. Having access to clear information and compassionate support can make a meaningful difference when navigating a cancer diagnosis. At Bonitas, we are committed to standing with you , helping you access the right care, at the right time, so you can focus on what matters most: your health and wellbeing.

To learn more about the support available through the Oncology Management Programme, please click here.

The programme is simple, meaningful and FREE. It connects members with trusted partners, exclusive discounts, rewards and tailored support – evolving alongside them through every stage of life.

With four guiding pillars, B Value encourages members to:

• B Healthy
• B Financially Savvy
• B Informed
• B Valued

What members can look forward to:

• Exclusive discounts from our wellness partners
• Financial wellness support and guidance
• Specially negotiated insurance solutions
• Rewards and recognition through vouchers and spin-to-win opportunities
• Access to a growing library of expert-led health content

Partner highlights

B Value & Wellbeing has teamed up with the following trusted brands to offer members access to more value and more ways to live healthier, happier lifestyles:

• Planet Fitness: 10% off membership, no joining fees, free Buddy Tag, and 20% off padel court bookings.
• Virgin Active: 10% off one-year memberships, reduced joining fees, no access card fees, plus a free 30-day training programme.
• Run/Walk & Eat for Life: First month free, up to 40% off thereafter, free meal planning support and weekly coach check-ins.
• Good Night (sleep consultancy): Tailored sleep solutions, discounted expert coaching, in-depth workshops and masterclasses for better sleep – especially for little ones.
• Credit Gateway: A financial HUB offering free credit checks, financial health assessments, tips and tools to improve your credit score, as well as hands-on guidance and financial literacy courses.
• BGAP Gap Cover: Tailored Bonitas gap cover solutions – from comprehensive protection with BGAP Supreme, to affordable starter cover with BGAP Start – perfectly matched to our new BonCore option.
• B Value Dental Insurance Cover: Free emergency dental insurance cover up to R5 000 (for all new BonCore members when joining B Value & Wellbeing), plus discounted dental gap cover from as little as R58 for individuals or R158 for families.
• B Value Accidental Death Plan: Free accidental death cover of up to R30 000 for members in certain employer group sectors, activated after completing a wellness screening at a Bonitas wellness day.

Adding more heart to healthcare

B Value & Wellbeing is about recognising and rewarding the small steps members take for their health, while also being there for life’s bigger moments. Whether it’s completing a wellness screening, reaching a fitness goal or celebrating a milestone, members can unlock extra value through rewards and partner vouchers.

And this is just the beginning. The programme will continue to grow, with more partners and new features being added to ensure every member feels supported, rewarded and cared for at each stage of their journey.

Joining is simple. Members can simply visit bvalue.co.za, register for free, and start unlocking their benefits immediately. It’s all about spending less time figuring things out and more time enjoying the value. Because at Bonitas, we believe healthcare cover goes beyond protection. It’s about living well, every day.

Wellness is the buzzword of our time, not to mention the feel-good flavour of HR at the moment. How organisations are approaching wellness activities and interventions may vary, from the occasional mental health webinar or training session to smaller everyday gestures like fruit baskets in the canteen, and daily email reminders on self-care, but the reality is that wellness is more than a tick-box exercise, and its bottom-line impact is all too often underestimated.

According to a 2024 GIBS study, the combined cost of mental health-related absenteeism and presenteeism in South Africa is estimated at R250 billion a year, or roughly 4.5% of the country’s GDP. Added to this, the surge in chronic conditions like hypertension and type 2 diabetes is causing a widespread health crisis to play out in boardrooms, on factory floors and Zoom calls.

The question for business and HR leaders is simple: are you investing in wellness to truly protect your workforce or to tick a compliance box?

Unhealthy employees = unhealthy businesses

Between January and April this year, Bonitas Medical Fund screened over 5,000 employees at Bonitas-affiliated companies during on-site wellness days, and found that elevated blood pressure, abnormal cholesterol and high blood glucose levels were common. This was also often the case in employees who showed no outward symptoms.

“These are the very risks that slowly and silently drain productivity, because workers grappling with chronic conditions are more likely to take sick days, underperform, disengage and burn out. And when left untreated, these issues escalate into more serious and costly outcomes for both the employee and the organisation,” says Dr Themba Hadebe, Bonitas Clinical Executive. “This is where the business case for strategic wellness becomes undeniable.”

During those on-site wellness days, Bonitas identified elevated risks in thousands of employees, many of whom had no prior diagnoses. These early interventions led to targeted disease management support and, in some cases, the prevention of far costlier downstream claims. Over R29.6 million in early-stage claims were paid out under the Fund’s Benefit Booster initiative during this period, a figure that underscores how early detection can be a powerful tool for risk mitigation.

While wellness interventions do require planning and budget, the cost of inaction is higher. Absenteeism alone is estimated to cost South African businesses over R19 billion annually. Factor in the indirect costs, such as lost productivity, pressure on team members to compensate, poor morale and high churn, and the business risk grows exponentially.

“Most organisations are already sitting on a ticking health timebomb,” says Hadebe. “The data tells us that once we start screening, we immediately uncover significant, actionable health risks across all sectors, whether it’s mining or finance. There needs to be a culture and perspective shift among businesses to treat wellness more like a core driver of business continuity and less like an HR line item or once-a-year campaign.”

Hadebe adds that employee wellbeing requires a long-term, integrated plan that is supported by leadership and aligned to company goals. This might include ongoing risk screening and reporting, mental health support and coaching, and preventative care access, including vaccination and lifestyle screenings.

“Healthier employees drive stronger performance, lower risk and more sustainable businesses,” says Hadebe. “Wellness is no longer an optional extra, but the foundation of a high-functioning, future-ready organisation. Don’t wait for a claims crisis or a burnout epidemic to act, because the data is already telling the story.”

Take advantage of the below screenings and tests that help with early detection of the following health conditions:

Cardiovascular disease (CVD)

CVD, also known as heart disease, refers to a group of conditions affecting the heart and blood vessels, and is a leading cause of heart attack and stroke among men.

A balanced diet, regular exercise, and avoiding smoking can help prevent CVD, while regular cholesterol, blood sugar, and blood pressure screenings can identify risks early.

Our preventative care benefit includes one wellness screening (blood pressure, glucose, etc.) per year for each beneficiary aged 21 and over – on all options, and a full cholesterol test (lipogram) every 5 years, for beneficiaries aged 20 and over on BonComprehensive, BonComplete, BonClassic, Standard, and Standard Select.

Type 2 diabetes

Elevated blood sugar often goes unnoticed until tested, and if left untreated, it can lead to heart disease, stroke, and other complications. Those most at risk include people with a family history of diabetes, those who are overweight, or those with high cholesterol or high blood pressure.

A blood glucose test is part of the annual wellness screening. We also cover chronic medicine for Type 1 and Type 2 diabetes as a Prescribed Minimum Benefit (PMB) on all options.

Mental health

Mental illnesses can affect individuals of any age, race, gender, or socioeconomic status. Identifying and understanding mental illnesses can help you better manage your mental health.

Signs and symptoms to look out for include prolonged sadness, social withdrawal, extreme mood swings, significant tiredness, low energy or problems sleeping, loss of interest in activities you previously enjoyed, significant increase or decrease in your appetite, thoughts of self-harm or suicide, and substance abuse. If you experience any of these symptoms, it is best to seek professional help.

Our Mental Health Programme is offered across all plans, and we cover depression as a chronic condition on all options. We also offer access to a mental health digital platform, October Health, available through the Bonitas app, giving members easy access to expert help, mental health information, and community support.

Prostate cancer

On average, 1 in 8 men is diagnosed with prostate cancer, a slow-growing disease that typically appears later in life. Signs usually include difficulty passing urine, enlarged lymph nodes, or blood in the urine. Early detection improves the chances of a positive outcome.

Annual tests are advised for men from age 50, or from age 40 if there is a family history of prostate or breast cancer.

Our preventative care benefit includes 1 annual prostate-specific antigen (PSA) test for men between the ages of 55 and 69, on all options except BonStart and BonStart Plus.

Testicular cancer

Testicular cancer is more common in men aged 15 to 35 and is treatable when detected early. Look out for a painless lump or swelling of the testis, or a dull ache or heaviness in the scrotum or lower abdomen.

Monthly self-examinations are recommended for early detection.

Colon cancer

If there is a family history of colon cancer, it is recommended to have your first colonoscopy at age 40. If there’s no family history, you should have it at age 50, then every 5-10 years based on your risk. If more than one first-degree relative has developed colon cancer, you should go every 3-5 years.

Be aware of sudden changes in bowel habits, blood in stools, or persistent bloating.

Our preventative care benefit includes 1 annual stool test for colon cancer per beneficiary between ages 45 and 75.

Skin cancer

Men over 40 who spend a lot of time in the sun (e.g., golfers, cricketers, farmers, fishermen, etc.) should regularly look out for skin changes, like new or larger moles. Consult a doctor or dermatologist if you notice any changes.

When detected and removed early, skin cancer has a high recovery rate.

Eye health

To maintain good vision, we recommend an eyesight test every five years in your 20s and 30s, every two years in your 40s, and annually from age 50 onwards.

The Scheme covers 1 eye test per beneficiary on all options, except hospital plans, every year or every 2 years, depending on your plan. For savings options, the eye test will be paid from your available medical savings balance.

These screenings are here to help you stay on top of your health. Early detection is key, so don’t wait – book your annual tests and screenings and make the most of your preventative care benefits!

To learn more about your membership benefits, please visit the Member Information Hub on our website at www.bonitas.co.za/member-information. There’s no need to log in, just info at the click of a button.

Breast Cancer

Breast cancer is the most common cancer in women of all races.

Mammograms, which are X-ray examinations of the breast area, can reduce breast cancer mortality (deaths due to cancer) by 20 to 60%.

While mammograms aren’t generally recommended for women under 40, more people are being diagnosed with breast cancer at younger ages. You should consult your doctor if you are at higher risk.

Cervical cancer

Cervical cancer is the second most common cancer in women and the leading cause of cancer-related deaths among women. The risk for cervical cancer can be reduced by:

Regular cervical cancer screening:
A Pap smear is a vaginal examination that checks for abnormalities in the cells of the cervix.HPV vaccination:

The human papillomavirus (HPV) is the biggest risk factor for cervical cancer. HPV is transmitted through skin-to-skin contact and sexual intercourse. The HPV vaccine is recommended to help prevent HPV infection and lower the chance of developing cervical cancer later in life.

Prostate cancer

Over 4 000 South African men are diagnosed with prostate cancer every year, accounting for 13% of male deaths. Screening for prostate cancer involves a digital rectal exam (DRE) to detect abnormalities or lumps in the prostate, and a prostate-specific antigen (PSA) blood test, which monitors a protein that enters the blood when there is a problem with the prostate.

A PSA level above 4.0 ng/mL is usually cause for concern, but your doctor will decide whether further treatment is needed by looking at the risks and benefits.

Cancer is one of the leading causes of death worldwide. If we don’t take action, the number of cancer-related deaths is expected to rise to 13.2 million per year by 2030. Regular screening and early detection can save lives.

Remember: Bonitas offers screening benefits that are paid from Risk. These include mammograms, Pap smears, HPV vaccinations and PSA tests. Please refer to your plan brochure or how-to-guides on the member information hub.

What’s most concerning about this spike in numbers is the fact that it began before the flu season peaked. Recent news reports on rising HMPV and COVID-19 cases have also sparked concern among South Africans. While these trends are worrying, it’s important to remember that most respiratory illnesses are preventable with proper precautions.

What is a respiratory illness?

Respiratory illnesses are infections that affect the airways, including the nose, throat, and lungs. Common respiratory illnesses include colds, flu, RSV, and HMPV. These conditions can range from mild discomfort to severe complications, such as pneumonia or bronchitis. Understanding these illnesses and taking preventative steps can help protect you and your loved ones.

How are respiratory illnesses contracted?

Respiratory illnesses are highly contagious and spread through:

• Airborne droplets – When an infected person coughs, sneezes, or talks.
• Surface contact – Touching contaminated surfaces like doorknobs, handrails, or phones and then touching your face.
• Close contact – Being in close proximity to someone who is infected.

Symptoms to look out for

Watch for these common symptoms of respiratory illnesses:

• Fever or chills
• Coughing or wheezing
• Nasal congestion or a runny nose
• Shortness of breath
• Fatigue or body aches
• Sore throat

Seek medical attention if symptoms worsen, persist for more than a few days, or if you have underlying health conditions that increase your risk.

How to protect against respiratory illnesses

By staying informed and adopting simple preventative measures, you can safeguard yourself and your family by:

• Practicing good hygiene: Wash hands often with soap and water. Cover your mouth and nose when coughing or sneezing.
• Staying home when sick: Limit contact with others to prevent spreading germs.
• Improving ventilation: Keep your home well-ventilated by opening windows or using air purifiers.
• Wearing masks: Especially in crowded spaces or if you’re feeling unwell.
• Cleaning frequently touched surfaces: Regularly disinfect items like countertops, doorknobs, and phones.

By applying these simple steps, we can help keep our families and communities healthy.

For more information and resources on respiratory illnesses, please visit the Respiratory Illness Hub.

Dr Themba Hadebe of Bonitas Medical Fund says that what you eat during your pregnancy directly affects foetal development. “A diet rich in vitamins, minerals and other key nutrients can help ensure a healthy pregnancy outcome. Proper nutrition supports the development of your baby’s brain, bones and organs. It also aids in building the placenta, which supplies the baby with oxygen and nutrients.”

He advises eating a balanced diet that includes a variety of food groups, such as fruits, vegetables, lean proteins, whole grains and healthy fats. Each offers unique benefits that support both maternal health and foetal growthWhat foods should I be eating?

Bearing in mind that you may feel nauseous in the beginning and not be able to eat certain foods and may have cravings for others, as far as possible try to follow a balanced diet, rich in nutrients. Foods you should include in your diet are dairy products, such as milk and yoghurt, as they provide extra protein, calcium and probiotics. Legumes, such as lentils and soybeans, are other good foods to include as they contain protein, fibre and folate, which is particularly important during pregnancy.

Sweet potatoes, which are high in vitamin A and fibre, are also a good addition to your shopping list. Other wholesome foods include eggs, broccoli, lean meat and berries.

“During pregnancy your vitamin and mineral needs will change,” say Dr Hadebe. “And although a heathy diet should supply most of the vitamins and minerals needed, often healthcare professionals suggest prenatal vitamins as a good way to supplement and cover nutritional gaps, even though they don’t replace a healthy lifestyle and diet.”What vitamins and minerals are essential and why?

• Folic acid: Or folate helps prevent neural tube defects, such as spina bifida and supports the development of the baby’s brain and spine.
• Iron: Supports healthy growth and helps prevent anaemia by ensuring that blood (in both mom and baby) carries oxygen effectively. Iron-rich foods like lean meats, beans and spinach can help, but most pregnant women need an iron supplement to meet the increased demands.
• Calcium: Calcium supports the development of the baby’s bones and teeth. If the mother’s calcium intake is inadequate, the baby will draw from the mother’s stores, potentially weakening her bones. Dairy products and leafy greens are great sources of calcium.
• Vitamin D: Aids in calcium absorption and supports the baby’s bone health. Exposure to sunlight and foods like fortified dairy and fatty fish (salmon, mackerel) can help ensure adequate vitamin D levels.
• Omega-3 fatty acids: These essential fats, found in fatty fish, like salmon and also flaxseeds, support the baby’s brain and eye development. Omega-3s can also help reduce the risk of preterm birth.
• Vitamin C: Helps with iron absorption and boosts the immune system. It can be found in citrus fruits, strawberries, bell peppers and broccoli.
• Iodine: Essential for the production of thyroid hormones that regulate the development of the foetal brain and nervous system. You will need more iodine than usual when you’re pregnant or breastfeeding. Iodine can be found in dairy products, eggs and seafood.

“Getting the correct micronutrients is essential for a healthy pregnancy and best possible development of your baby,” says Dr Hadebe. “Deficiencies can lead to complications such as hypertension and low birth weight which is why prenatal supplements are often prescribed. However, it is important not to exceed the recommended dosages. Consult your doctor or gynae before starting any supplements, they will help determine the appropriate dose for your individual needs.”

In additional to a balanced diet, Dr Hadebe also recommends you exercise regularly – it’s a great way to stay in shape, boost your mental health and releases ‘feel good’ endorphins. In addition to maintain a healthy lifestyle, cut out alcohol and nicotine, cut down on caffeine and find way to manage your stress levels.

As part of the Bonitas Maternity Programme, the scheme allows its members R195* per month for antenatal vitamins during pregnancy.

*Plan dependent

In this issue, you can also:

• Get to understand tricky medical aid terminology
• Learn how to stay on track with the goals you set at the beginning of the year
• Find out more about why you should get the flu vaccine
• Whip up quick and tasty noodles

You can read or download the latest issue by clicking here.