PRESS OFFICE
LISTING
Homenewsabout usContact UsWebsite
Welcome to the
Bonitas Press Office
Bonitas aims to make quality healthcare accessible to South Africans. We offer a wide range of products that are simple to understand, easy to use and give our members more value for money.
Follow us:
 
News

Latest news

Key facts about cholera
South Africa had recorded at least 46 suspected cholera cases in the first month of 2024. According to the Minister of Health, three of these cases were due to cross-border travel. With these outbreaks making headline news, Dr Themba Hadebe, clinical executive at Bonitas Medical Fund has put together eight key facts about cholera. 12 Mar 2024 Read more

Talking about HPV and cervical cancer
The theme for 2024 Cervical Cancer Awareness is "Learn. Prevent. Screen." South Africa has a high rate of cervical cancer which has been attributed to the fact that not enough women are screened regularly. Screening can detect early changes in the cervix, which can be treated and may save your life. 4 Mar 2024 Read more

10 ways to manage your medical expenses
"As you begin 2024 with a clean slate in terms of medical aid benefits, it’s a good time to look at ways to manage medical expenses," says Lee Callakoppen, principal officer of Bonitas Medical Fund. Here are 10 tips to empower yourself in managing medical expenses. 9 Feb 2024 Read more

Bursaries and boreholes – helping in the healthcare space
The partnership between Gift of the Givers and Bonitas Medical Fund has, and will continue, to have a positive impact in a quintet of interventions in the field of healthcare. The partnership, which began in 2018 continues into 2024, with an additional investment of R3.3m. This includes bursaries to final year medical students at the University of KwaZulu-Natal and the provision of boreholes at various health facilities across the country. 14 Dec 2023 Read more

Movember - it's not just about prostate health
November or Movember is traditionally when men around the world grow a moustache to raise awareness and funds for men's health - specifically prostate cancer. And, although the campaign is synonymous with prostate cancer, it's also about testicular cancer, mental health and suicide prevention. 2 Nov 2023 Read more

Bonitas balancing increases with value and sustainability
Bonitas Medical Fund, one of the leading medical schemes in South Africa, recently presented its 2024 product line-up. The Scheme announced the lowest contribution increases across the large open medical schemes, at a weighted average of 6.9%, without reducing benefits. 11 Oct 2023 Read more

Dealing with diabetes
South Africa is the most obese nation in sub-Saharan Africa*. It's not surprising then that we also have the highest rate of Type 2 diabetes. The danger is that most people are unaware of the risk until they are diagnosed as pre-diabetic or Type 2 diabetic. Diabetes is the third most significant risk factor for disability and early death in South Africa. While 4.5 million South Africans are currently diagnosed with the condition, what's more alarming is it's estimated that 61% of diabetics remain undiagnosed. 29 Aug 2023 Read more

Bonitas 2022: Annual results show steady growth and industry-leading financials
Bonitas Medical Fund, in its 42nd year, announced its 2022 financial results today. The medical aid for South Africa, achieved a net surplus supported by positive membership growth, boosted reserves, an increased solvency ratio and a strong investment performance. 24 Jul 2023 Read more

Free hearing screening (online) for all
Hearing loss is an under-diagnosed medical condition that significantly impacts the physical and mental health of those who have any degree of hearing difficulty. Disabling hearing loss is being called the 'invisible epidemic.' It affects more than three million South Africans and over 1.5 billion people globally. The World Health Organization (WHO) estimates that in just two more decades, this number will exceed 2.5 billion. To help create more awareness, Bonitas Medical Fund is offering free online hearing screening for all South Africans. 26 Jun 2023 Read more

All about cholesterol
High cholesterol levels go hand in hand with a number of other factors which fall under chronic conditions. It is often as a result of lifestyle factors. According to the South African Heart and Stroke Foundation, one in four adults in South Africa has high total cholesterol, while 30% have a high LDL level and 50% have low HDL Levels. 13 Jun 2023 Read more

Bonitas awarded Medical Scheme of the Year
At the inaugural News24 Business Awards' ceremony in Cape Town last month, Bonitas - the second largest open scheme in SA - was awarded Medical Scheme of the Year. News24 recognised companies and CEOs who are doing excellent work in building their businesses, while also going above and beyond in strategic leadership, transparency and building a better SA. 5 Apr 2023 Read more

8 vital health checks for men
Essential health checks or screenings are tests that are carried out by a medical doctor to check for diseases and health conditions, even before you may have any symptoms. By detecting diseases early on they are often easier to treat. Dr Morgan Mkhatshwa, clinical executive at Bonitas Medical Fund, talks about the most important check-ups for men. 7 Feb 2023 Read more

Bonitas offers Panda app for mental health
One in six South Africans suffers from anxiety, depression or substance use disorder. Over the last two years the prevalence of anxiety and depression disorders has increased by 36.4% and 38.7% respectively. 9 Jan 2023 Read more

The gift of hearing
Hearing loss is more common than we think, up to 19% of South African school children suffer from varying degrees of hearing difficulty. Hearing is the foundation for speech and language development as well as learning and communication. The long-term impact of losing one of the key senses has a major impact on the quality of life. 2 Dec 2022 Read more

Bonitas 2022 contributions continued for 2023!
Bonitas Medical Fund, one of the leading medical schemes in South Africa, has announced its 2023 product line. Lee Callakoppen, principal officer of Bonitas says, "Our average increase for the year would have been 5.9% - well below the current inflation rate of 7.6%. The good news is that we've put a price freeze on contributions for the first quarter of 2023, to offer our members some respite. This effectively means an increase of 4.4% over the 12 months. We have also shared exactly what members can expect to pay from 1 April 2023, so that they can make informed decisions." 4 Oct 2022 Read more

Asthma - avoiding triggers
Asthma is one of the most common chronic illnesses, affecting over 300 million people worldwide. Dr Morgan Mkhatshwa, head of operations at Bonitas Medical Fund, talks about the causes of asthma, preventative steps to reduce the chances of an attack, and treatment. 5 Sep 2022 Read more

The app for your back - and neck
The pandemic has had so many negative effects - one of which is people reporting an increase of lower back and neck pain. Working from home, without specialised office chairs and the resultant poor posture, together with a more sedentary lifestyle, appears to have contributed to musculoskeletal disorders. 23 Aug 2022 Read more

Bonitas on a growth trajectory
Covid-19, which completely discombobulated the world -not only in terms of human lives and suffering, but entire economies - had an unexpectedly positive effect on the fiscal health of Bonitas Medical Fund. Luke Woodhouse, chief financial officer says: "The Fund, which celebrates its 40th birthday this year, announced R7.4bn in reserves at year end 2021." 20 Jul 2022 Read more

A partnership to bring help to those who need it most
When you're looking for positive, purposeful, swift action in a time of crisis there's one organisation you know you can rely on. The Gift of the Givers Foundation is always ready to step in when needed, getting on with the job at hand with the minimum of fuss but with maximum results. 13 Jul 2022 Read more

Operational Performance award for Bonitas
Part of the recent Board of Healthcare Funders (BHF) Conference held in Cape Town, was the announcement of the Titanium Awards which benchmark industry excellence. The Awards recognise and reward medical schemes, administrators and managed care organisations, providing the best value to their members. Bonitas Medical Fund was presented with the Titanium Award for excellence in Operational Performance. 7 Jun 2022 Read more


More news...

Contact Bonitas

Tel: 0860 002 018
Email: az.oc.satinob@seireuq