Bonitas Member Magazine B-Living Issue 2_2019 | Page 4

Many South Africans have to contend with prospects
of job security and a number of other macro-economic
factors. We appreciate that these factors must be
understood as they have a direct impact on our members.
The Board and I are well aware of the tough times and
challenges that our members are constantly faced with.
We appreciate that you are people with families and
loved ones, to this end we will be committed to ensuring
you have access to healthcare benefits and services of
the highest standard.
Furthermore, I am also confident that we will remain
responsive as a Fund and be best positioned for growth
and successfully make healthcare more affordable.
In this, my very first B-Living issue, we profile a young
Bonitas family whose daughter was diagnosed with
‘profound deafness’, however, that all changed as they
reached out to the Fund for assistance (page 17). We also
turn our attention to the upcoming Comrades Marathon
in June (page 26) and feature some of our members who
have dared to beat the odds as they prepare for the
ultimate -human race.
Lee R Callakoppen
Principal Officer
New Principal
Officer for Bonitas
Medical Fund
Mandela Day is coming up in July and we share some ideas
on how you can make a difference in your community
on page 23. Moving on to understanding your medical
aid, many of our members are unclear of what processes
to follow when trying to get pre-authorisation for their
hospital admissions – on page 13, we outline all the steps
you need to make the process smooth and hassle-free.
Our free lifestyle vouchers and discounted financial
products are gaining popularity among our members.
Read more about the value-added benefits Bonitas is
offering you on pages 15 and 22. We also share some tips
on preparing for winter (page 8).
I am truly honoured and humbled to be appointed as the
Principal Officer of Bonitas Medical Fund. Being selected
for this role is a major achievement and an opportunity
to serve the Fund and our valued members. Part of this
responsibility entails fully understanding the challenges
that lie ahead as we work together to make Bonitas the
best medical scheme in the industry. I believe that in fulfilling my mandate to you as members
and will ensure that Bonitas will always be the medical
scheme of choice and a scheme that any South African
can choose with pride. I will strive to ensure that our
partners and providers will have a sense of joy when
dealing with your healthcare needs.
Bonitas has grown in stature and membership over the
years and the Fund has strengthened its financial position
considerably over the last two years. I look forward to
building on the solid foundation that has been laid. Yours faithfully
One cannot speak of the medical scheme industry
without mentioning Bonitas – our brand and heritage
speaks for itself. I would like to take this opportunity
and express my unquestionable commitment to strong
governance and absolute commitment to ethics which
will remain our moral compass as we build on the
mandate of making quality healthcare accessible to all
South Africans.
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B-Living Issue 2, 2019