Road Accident Fund on the Brink of Collapse — Minister Must Intervene

For nearly four months, the Road Accident Fund (RAF) has seemingly stopped making payments to victims of road collisions. This devastating development not only highlights the RAF’s financial crisis but also points to a deeper problem of mismanagement and a lack of proper oversight. Unless urgent action is taken by Transport Minister Barbara Creecy and Parliament’s Portfolio Committee on Transport, the RAF risks collapsing entirely — leaving victims stranded and justice denied.

Years of Mismanagement

The RAF’s problems are not new. Over the years, we’ve seen a serious disconnect between the Department of Transport and the Fund. With six Transport Ministers in just seven years, leadership instability has allowed the RAF’s CEO and Board to operate largely unchecked, applying the RAF Act selectively to suit their own agenda.

The RAF1 Form Debacle

In 2022, the RAF introduced a new RAF1 form without following the proper legal procedures. This caused unnecessary obstacles for victims trying to submit claims.

Here’s what happened:

• What did the RAF try to do? They attempted to impose a new RAF1 form that added complex and restrictive requirements for claimants.
• Why was this a problem? The new form unfairly limited victims’ ability to lodge claims and was introduced without following the correct administrative processes.
• What did the courts decide? Earlier this year, the High Court in Pretoria ruled the new form unconstitutional and struck it down.
• What was ordered instead? The Minister of Transport was instructed to create a lawful replacement within six months.
• What does this mean for victims? Claimants who were blocked by the unlawful form can now resubmit their claims using the simpler 2008 RAF1 form.

Victims Left in the Cold

The halting of payments for months has now added insult to injury. Victims of road accidents — already dealing with trauma, loss, and financial strain — are being forced to endure unnecessary delays.

Conclusion

The Democratic Alliance remains committed to advocating for stronger oversight, greater transparency, and meaningful reform. Victims should not have to wait any longer for the assistance they deserve — and South Africa cannot risk further instability within the Road Accident Fund.