CMS and Bonitas settle dispute

Johannesburg - Bonitas Medical Fund and the Council for Medical Schemes (CMS) have agreed to a settlement which brings a two-year dispute between the parties to an end.

In terms of a court order issued by the South Gauteng Court on Friday May 27 2011, Joseph Maluleke was appointed curator for 90 days during which time he will be in control of Bonitas. Acting principal officer Gerhard van Emmenis will revert to his former position of chief operating officer.

Maluleke has served as Bonitas' compliance officer since his appointment by the court nine months ago. His appointment as the scheme's curator, with Van Emmenis reverting to chief operating officer, was approved by the CMS and will ensure continuity and stability.

In granting the curatorship order, Judge Nigel Willis emphasised that he was not placing the scheme under curatorship due to financial or other difficulties. A curator was deemed necessary to regularise Bonitas' governance.

The registrar of medical schemes, Dr Monwabisi Gantsho, reiterated that the council would give Bonitas and the curator all the necessary support to protect members' interests.

Bonitas' 2010 audited financial results saw year-on-year surpluses increase sharply by more than R500m and the solvency ratio strengthen to 36.5% - significantly higher than the legislated 25% minimum.