South Africa’s COSATU trade union federation has welcomed Defence Minister Angie Motshekga’s assurance that retired military personnel and their families will retain full medical benefits. Earlier reports warned that a fund supporting the cover was in financial distress and might fail to meet commitments from November 1.
The Regular Force Medical Continuation Fund provides medical cover for retired members of the South African National Defence Force and their dependants. COSATU said it appreciated the commitment Motshekga gave to Parliament that benefits would continue.
The federation said the assurance covers about 21,000 principal beneficiaries and their dependants. The report did not provide details about the fund’s finances or how the government intends to secure the benefits.