A group of public service unions affiliated with the Congress of South African Trade Unions (COSATU) is expected to protest against the 9.8% increase in the Government Employees Medical Scheme (GEMS) during the National Day of Action on Thursday, 26 February 2026.
The organisations include the Democratic Nursing Organisation of South Africa (DENOSA), the National Education, Health and Allied Workers’ Union (NEHAWU), and the South African Democratic Teachers Union (SADTU).
Speaking to VOC News, COSATU spokesperson Zanele Sabela outlined some of the concerns raised by the unions.