Important Good News from the National Bargaining Council
Important Good News on the Bargaining Council Front:
• Chairperson & Vice-Chairperson Appointed
• KZN Sick Benefit Fund changes
• Extension for Learners Registered with City & Guilds
• Council Returns Accessibility
• New Appointment of the Council’s Legal and Compliance Manager
Appointment of Chairperson and Vice-Chairperson of the Council Board
Congratulations to Ms Petunia Matjebe and Mr Dane Frost on their new appointments on the Council Board – wishing them all the best successes for the future!
At the Annual General Meeting (“AGM”) of the Council held on 11 July 2022, Ms. Petunia Matjebe was appointed as Chairperson and Mr. Dane Frost as Vice-Chairperson of the Council Board, for a two-year period, 2022 - 2024. Please join us in congratulating Ms. Matjebe and Mr. Frost on their appointments.
Changes the Sick Fund Coverage for KZN members for allowable GPs
Sick Benefit Fund (KZN)
On 1 July 2022, the provision of a network of retained GPs for the purposes of providing medical services to members of the Sick Benefit Fund (KZN) was replaced with a more flexible approach which allows for members to consult a GP of their choice. The notice that was sent to members on 23 June 2022 can be accessed through this link: HAIRDRESSING AND COSMETOLOGY (hcsbc.co.za)
In response to concerns by members that the current scheme hampers or even prevents participation by members who do not live within the vicinity of the retained GPs’ medical practices. Members also indicated that they would prefer an option to consult a Medical Practitioner of their choice.
The Council’s Sick Funds Management Committee considered this feedback, and it was decided that an approach should be adopted that was more inclusive.
With effect from 1 July , 2022, members will have the flexibility of consulting a GP of their choice and will be allocated an annual amount (R1100) that may be claimed in respect of a maximum of four GP consultations/visits per annum ie., R275.00 per visit/consultation.
The Claims process remains the same. Members must submit their claim forms, together with the doctor’s account and proof of payment to sickpayfund@hcsbc.co.za.
The provision of a network of retained GPs for the purposes of providing medical services to members of the Sick Benefit Fund (KZN) will cease on 30 June 2022.
Those members who are patients of the doctors who are currently on retainer, may of course continue to consult with them as their GP of choice. However, it would be in a private capacity and not as required or provided for in the current Rules.
For complete information, please click HERE for the full notice.
Important Extension Notification for Learners Registered with City & Guilds
Extension of the Period for Completion of the City & Guilds Industry Qualification Final Practical Assessments (FPAs)
The period for the completion of the City & Guilds Industry Qualification Final Practical Assessments has been extended to June 2023 to ensure that City & Guilds centres can exit candidates who are registered against the City & Guilds Industry Qualification (3002- 72/3002-74).
Please kindly inform any affected individuals within your establishments of the extension of the end date for the FPAs. Furthermore, please kindly request that they submit their contact details with an indication of whether or not they intend to complete their FPAs to Zola@hcsbc.co.za.
Urgent Notice Regarding Returns via Email
For those of you who do not receive your Returns electronically, you can access the document on the Council’s website www.hcsbc.co.za.
We are again appealing to all establishments who have previously elected to receive their Returns by way of post, to opt for email correspondence. The Council is considering the introduction of a postage charge going forward. The change to your option can be notified to the Council by way of an email to amend@hcsbc.co.za.
Council Staff Appointments
We are pleased to announce that Mr Franklin Ngcaba has been appointed as the Council’s Legal and Compliance Manager. Franklin is working out of our Johannesburg office.
If you need more help, please don’t hesitate to contact your local area agent
For more information, contact: www.hcsbc.co.za
