Press release 1 of 2017: CMS CE & REGISTRAR OF MEDICAL SCHEMES PASSED AWAY |
The Council for Medical Scheme has released the following press release:
The Chief Executive & Registrar of the Council for Medical Schemes (CMS), Dr Humphrey Zokufa has passed away on Sunday, 22 January 2017, after a short period of being ill.
On 1 November 2016 the CMS welcomed Dr Zokufa on board as he took over the reins as Chief Executive & Registrar. Dr Zokufa was no stranger to the healthcare environment, as he has served in numerous roles in the public and private health sector, including Registrar for the Medicine Control Council, where he played a key role in the establishment of the Medicine Pricing Committee. Before he joined the CMS, he was Managing Director for the Board of Healthcare Funders of Southern Africa (BHF) for almost 11 years and served on Work stream 4 on the Role of Medical Schemes in of the National Health Insurance (NHI) plan.
Dr Zokufa related well to people and although it was for only a very short period, the impact of Dr Zokufa’s leadership was visible immediately, especially his care for the CMS staff. His energy and passion for an optimal and effective regulatory framework in the private healthcare industry was also clear. He was firm in his belief that the National Health Insurance (NHI) is not a pipe dream and his dedication, commitment and vision to lead the private healthcare sector into participating in the NHI was his top priority.
On behalf of the CMS, the Chairperson of Council, Prof Yosuf Veriava, extended heartfelt condolences to the family of Dr Zokufa. He also expressed his confidence in the management and staff of CMS and confirmed that CMS will continue with its organisational functioning under the acting role of Mr. Daniel Lehutjo, Chief Financial Officer in the interim.
The funeral of Dr Humphrey Zokufa will take place on Saturday, 28 January 2017 in Pretoria.