Message from our Principal Officer : Lee Callakoppen
As the Medical Aid for South Africa , our priority is to provide our members with affordable , quality healthcare . And , when recognition comes along for what we do , it warms our hearts . I ’ m delighted to share with you that Bonitas was named ‘ Best Medical Scheme of the Year ’ at the News24 Business Awards , held at a gala event in Cape Town in March .
These awards celebrate the best in corporate South Africa and recognise companies and CEOs who are doing excellent work in building their businesses , while also going above and beyond in strategic leadership , client service , transparency and building a better South Africa . What makes this award even more special , is that we came out tops alongside brands such as Sanlam , Investec , Woolworths and OUTsurance – all winners and leaders in their respective fields .
I would like to dedicate this accolade to you – our members . Our motivation is to provide you with quality healthcare to help get you out of your sickbeds and take care of your health . You can read more about these awards on page 15 .
Winter is well and truly here and with that comes flu season . We urge you to look after your health during this time . From pages 08 to 11 there are interesting articles and tips on how to maintain winter wellness . And , if you haven ’ t had your flu vaccination yet , make it a priority . On page 18 you can read more about the flu vaccination and why you should get it . An initiative that is close to my heart is our sponsorship of an audiology project in partnership with humanitarian aid organisation , Gift of the Givers . The official launch of this project took place on 23 March in KZN and aims to assist children with hearing difficulties . 15 860 learners , in total , will be tested during the 2023 school year and we know that this audiology project will have a profound impact on many lives . Read more about it on pages 12 and 13 .
A matter of grave concern is the mental health of our members and South Africans as a whole . With mounting financial pressures , loadshedding and political uncertainty , research shows that as many as one in four South Africans suffers from anxiety , depression or substance-abuse problems . In support of our existing mental health programme , as a member you now also have access to Panda , a mental health and wellbeing app , through the Bonitas Member App . If you feel depressed , anxious or are showing any other signs of mental health issues , we urge you to get the help you need . Read more on page 16 about the impact of mental health and how help is at hand .
We look forward to a busy and exciting latter part of 2023 . In the meantime , look after yourself and your loved ones . Stay safe and stay warm this winter .
Lee
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Bonitas Member Magazine Issue 2 | 2023