Dear SAMWUMED member
We are aware of emails sent to our members by a group calling themselves “Cape Flats Community” on Tuesday, 14 October 2025. These messages spread false information about SAMWUMED’s Hospital Network changes that were implemented in January 2025 and attempt to persuade members to switch schemes, causing unnecessary concern.
The emails also violate the Protection of Personal Information Act (POPIA) by using members’ contact details without consent. We are investigating this unfortunate incident and will take appropriate legal action against those responsible. Contrary to the false information, SAMWUMED has continued to put our members’ needs first in 2025:
- We have signed Designated Service Provider (DSP) Anchor Hospital Network Agreements with Mediclinic and Netcare, giving our members access to more private hospitals without co-payments. Melomed is not included as contractual terms could not be agreed upon.
- Members can choose to be admitted to Melomed facilities, however if the admission is not for a life-threatening emergency, they will incur a 25% co-payment.
- Members are encouraged to utilise our DSP Hospitals—including Mediclinic Bellville, Netcare Kuilsriver, Netcare N1 City, and Life Vincent Pallotti—based on their convenient proximity for those residing in the Cape Flats.
- SAMWUMED has appointed Netcare911 for ambulance services to transport members to Network Hospitals when needed in an emergency.
- We have expanded our Specialist Network, with more than 3000 Specialists having joined since 2024, so that our members do not incur co-payments for these consultations.
- None of the Specialists who consult at Melomed Hospitals left our Specialist Network.
All these improvements were made with our members in mind, and we are happy to share that SAMWUMED is achieving strong results without compromising members’ health. With CMS approval, both Option A and Option B members will enjoy UNLIMITED Overall Annual Limits in 2026. Additionally, the annual increase for 2026 will be lower than the one applied in 2025.
Should you have any questions regarding this communication or require assistance with locating SAMWUMED Network Hospitals in your area, please contact our member support centre at 0860 104 117.
Yours Faithfully
Francina Moseou
Principal Officer
