The Registrar of Medical Schemes is also the Chief Executive of the Council for Medical Schemes (CMS). S/he is responsible for carrying out the executive functions of the CMS, aided by a staff complement of approximately 80 people. The CMS is based in Hatfield, Pretoria. While Council members formulate the overall strategy and policy of the CMS, the Registrar and his/her executive management team are responsible for the day-to-day decisions and management of staff. The Registrar's position is currently vacant following the departure of Mr Patrick Masobe in February 2009 and Mr Patrick Matshidze in November 2009. Mr Matshidze was appointed acting Registrar following Mr Masobe's departure. The Minister of Health appointed Mr Craig Burton-Durham, Head of our Legal Unit, as acting Registrar in November 2009. He is responsible for overseeing the overall strategic direction and leadership of the CMS. As the Accounting Officer of the CMS, he also has ultimate responsibility for the financial management of the organisation and compliance with the Public Finance Management Act up to the time when a permanent Registrar is appointed.   The office performs the following duties: While the Council formulates overall strategy and policy, the Registrar and his executive managers are responsible for day to day decisions and management of staff.  As the accounting officer of the Council, the Registrar has ultimate responsibility for financial management of Council and compliance with the Public Finance Management Act. The development of strategic alliances and cooperation with key stakeholders The coordination of all the various cost centres activities Inform public and stakeholders and the media of the work of CMS Promote image of the Registrar, the staff and the work of the Council Promote understanding of medical schemes environment by trustees, beneficiaries and the public