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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Wednesday,18 September 2024
Public Interest SA Calls on Numsa to End Its Ambivalence Toward Corruption in BMW Medical Scheme Probe
Public Interest SA is deeply concerned by the National Union of Metalworkers of South Africa’s (Numsa) apparent attempts to obfuscate and downplay the serious allegations of fraud and corruption within BMW’s Employee Medical Aid Scheme (BEMAS). Instead of taking swift action to address the corruption allegedly involving union members, Numsa's Secretary General, Irvin Jim, has chosen a disingenuous stance that borders on defending the indefensible.
It is alarming that Jim appears more invested in shielding those implicated in criminal activities rather than championing the rights and interests of honest workers. The allegations surrounding fraudulent claims between BEMAS members and health practitioners are not mere administrative oversights but deeply dishonest practices that threaten the very foundation of the medical scheme—its accumulated member funds. These funds are intended to provide for the long-term healthcare needs of workers, yet they are being siphoned off through corrupt practices, undermining the financial integrity of the entire system.
Numsa’s ambivalence toward these accusations is not only disappointing but irresponsible. While the union claims to stand against criminality, Jim’s own words suggest a deflection of responsibility by pointing fingers at external stakeholders instead of addressing the misconduct of those directly involved. This equivocation does nothing to restore confidence in the integrity of Numsa or its leadership.
"We call on Jim and Numsa to stop playing defense for alleged fraudsters and to take immediate, decisive action to protect the interests of all workers and the public. Fraud and corruption cannot be condoned or explained away by convoluted calls for dialogue. If there are legitimate grievances against other stakeholders, they should be dealt with—but not at the expense of condoning criminal behavior among union members," says Tebogo Khaas, chairperson of Public Interest SA.
The BMW Group, Discovery Health, and law enforcement have already set the wheels in motion for a thorough investigation. We implore Numsa to cooperate fully with these efforts rather than muddying the waters with empty rhetoric. Anything less than a full commitment to rooting out corruption is a betrayal of the very workers Numsa claims to represent.
The continued erosion of trust in institutions like BEMAS must be met with accountability, not excuses. Public Interest SA will closely monitor this situation and continue to advocate for transparency and justice in the interest of workers and the broader public.
ENDS
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Image: BMW Group South Africa
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