Health:
Maternity Benefits and the Importance of Registering Your Newborn
Welcoming a new baby is one of life’s greatest joys, but it also comes with important administrative steps to ensure your child receives the best possible healthcare. In South Africa, most medical aid schemes and health plans offer maternity benefits designed to support expectant mothers and newborns. These benefits often include cover for prenatal consultations, scans, delivery costs, and postnatal care. Some plans also provide access to wellness programs, lactation consultations, and vaccinations, helping parents manage both medical and financial aspects during this critical stage.
A vital step that is often overlooked is registering your newborn with your medical aid as soon as possible. Registration ensures that your baby is covered from birth, protecting against unexpected medical expenses. Delays in registration can result in waiting periods or uncovered claims, leaving families financially exposed during a time when healthcare needs are highest. By registering promptly, you secure immediate access to benefits such as neonatal care, immunisations, and specialist consultations.
Beyond financial protection, early registration also provides peace of mind. Knowing that your child is fully covered allows you to focus on bonding and caring for your newborn without the added stress of medical bills.
We encourage you to include us in this exciting journey so that we can ensure you and your newborn receive the best care from your health plan.
Short Term:
Vehicle claims – Aftermarket parts
We receive many questions about the use of aftermarket parts in vehicle claims –
A vehicle’s factory warranty dictates that only original factory fitted parts be used on a vehicle for the duration of the warranty i.e. original Toyota parts on a Toyota while it is in warranty.
Once the vehicle is out of warranty, it is standard procedure to use “Alternative / Green Parts” instead of original factory fitted parts in certain cases. The reason for using these parts is that they are often substantially cheaper than the original parts which obviously lowers the claim cost for the insurer.
The benefits to our clients of using these parts are:
- Lower claim cost results in more favourable loss ratio
The lower claims cost has a direct favourable effect on your loss ratio (which is taken into account when your premium is determined on your annual policy renewal).
- Smaller claim totals lower the chances of your vehicle being written off
Most insurance companies declare a vehicle uneconomical to repair when the repair costs exceed 50% of the vehicle’s insured value. The use of alternative parts could be the difference between having your vehicle repaired or having it written off.
- Most aftermarket parts carry a lifetime warranty
This warranty is effective as long as the vehicle remains insured with the company that authorised the fitment of these parts but excludes normal wear and tear.
Are alternative parts safe and of good quality?
Any vehicle part that is used in the repair process is duly accredited by standards certification bodies such as, the South African Bureau of Standards (SABS), SGS, TUV, Rheinland, Bureau Veritas etc. The use of Alternative parts is also supported by the Insurance Ombudsman.
Wealth:
Can your investment double compound?
Historian Will Durant once observed that excellence is not a single act, but a habit formed through repetition. The same principle applies to investing: success is less about timing the market and more about disciplined, consistent action.
Consider a simple scenario. An investor commits R500 each month to a fund. At first glance, it may seem modest. Yet, sustained over 18 years with an assumed annual return of 8%, this steady contribution could grow to around R240,000. The key drivers are time in the market and unwavering consistency.
The impact doesn’t stop there. That accumulated R240,000 could be directed toward a child’s education, creating what’s known as “double compounding.” First, the investment grows in value. Then, education amplifies its effect by increasing future earning potential for that child. Research from the World Bank suggests each additional year of schooling can boost annual income by 9–10%. Locally, Statistics South Africa reports that unemployment among graduates is significantly lower than among those without matric.
By saving early, families can also reduce reliance on student loans or high‑interest debt, ensuring that opportunities for the next generation aren’t limited by financial constraints. Even a larger monthly commitment—say R1,000—can make a meaningful difference, potentially sparing both parents and children from borrowing later.
The lesson is clear: small, consistent steps build powerful outcomes. Through disciplined investing and the magic of compounding, today’s decisions can open doors tomorrow. Excellence in investing isn’t about chasing quick wins—it’s about cultivating habits that secure lasting benefits for you and your family.
Tax:
Common Mistakes When Submitting Tax Returns
Even the most diligent taxpayers can slip up when filing their returns. Avoiding these common mistakes can save you time, money, and unnecessary stress:
- Missing deadlines: Late submissions often mean penalties and interest charges. Mark the due date clearly and plan ahead.
- Incomplete documentation: Forgetting income slips, expense receipts, or investment records can lead to inaccurate returns.
- Incorrect personal details: Errors in names, addresses, or bank account numbers can delay refunds.
- Overlooking deductions: Many people miss out on legitimate deductions and credits simply because they don’t track expenses properly.
- Math errors: Simple calculation mistakes can trigger audits or adjustments. Double‑check figures or use reliable software.
- Not keeping copies: Failing to retain a copy of your return and supporting documents makes future queries harder to resolve.
A careful review before submission helps ensure accuracy, maximises your benefits, and keeps the process hassle‑free.
Our Multitrust Tax Team are always available to assist you.