MEDIA STATEMENT - FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

23 June 2026

SASP Commercial Affairs (Pty) Ltd Provides Update on Section 59 High Court Judgment

The South African Society of Physiotherapy (SASP) as the shareholder of the SASP Commercial Affairs (Pty) Ltd (the Company), notes the judgment handed down by the High Court in Pretoria on 17 June 2026 in the matter between the Company and the Minister of Health and Others concerning Section 59(3) of the Medical Schemes Act.

The Court dismissed the application and found that Section 59(3) of the Medical Schemes Act is constitutional.

This matter was initiated following a mandate from members of The SASP and sought to challenge the constitutionality of provisions that permit medical schemes to recover amounts from healthcare providers under specified circumstances.

Following the judgment, representatives of the SASP Commercial Affairs Board met with the legal representatives to consider the judgment and its implications. The matter has subsequently been discussed with its stakeholder, The SASP through the Society's appropriate governance structures, including the National Executive Committee.

The judgment and its implications remain under consideration through the appropriate legal and governance processes.

This matter extends beyond the physiotherapy profession and raises issues of relevance to healthcare practitioners more broadly, given the application of the Medical Schemes Act across the healthcare sector. The Company is therefore committed to ensuring that the judgment and its implications receive careful consideration through the appropriate legal and governance channels before any further comment is made.

The SASP remains committed to keeping its members informed and will provide further updates as developments occur.

A copy of the judgment has been made available to members via the Society's website and is in the public domain via Court Procedures.

Issued by:

SASP National Executive Committee (NEC)
and
SASP Commercial Affairs Board (Pty) Ltd

ENDS

Media Enquiries

Chantelle Jolliffe
Marketing and Communications Manager
South African Society of Physiotherapy (SASP)
Contact: marketing@saphysio.co.za , 078 270 2466

Ester Venter
Professional Officer, South African Society of Physiotherapy (SASP)
Secretary, SASP Commercial Affairs Board
Contact: prof.officer@saphysio.co.za , 011 615 3170

About the South African Society of Physiotherapy (SASP)

The South African Society of Physiotherapy (SASP) is the national professional association representing physiotherapists in South Africa. Established in 1924, the Society promotes excellence in physiotherapy practice, education, research and advocacy, while advancing the role of physiotherapy in improving the health and wellbeing of all South Africans.

Through its national structures, special interest groups and professional networks, SASP supports its members and advocates for the interests of the profession within the broader healthcare sector.

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