RAF Takes Action: Billions in Claims Finally Being Paid

A Fresh Start Amid Governance Challenges

The Road Accident Fund (RAF) has signaled a major step forward in restoring trust, announcing that it has resumed payments on longstanding claims and is actively working to tackle the notorious backlog that has frustrated South Africans for years.

This turnaround follows the establishment of a new interim board in August, led by former National Treasury procurement officer Kenneth Brown, after Transport Minister Barbara Creecy dissolved the previous board amid allegations of mismanagement and corruption. Creecy also requested the Special Investigating Unit (SIU) to expand its investigation into the Fund.

“The new board’s priority is to ensure claimants receive their money quickly while putting sustainable systems in place to prevent future backlogs,” Brown said.

Paying Out Billions and Clearing Backlogs

The RAF has started processing claims older than 180 days, amounting to an estimated R20 billion. Over the past two weeks alone, R3.3 billion has already been disbursed.

The interim board has been working closely with legal stakeholders, service providers, and plaintiff attorneys to streamline payments and reduce administrative delays. Key steps include:

• A full review of claims older than 180 days, with prioritisation for settlement.

• Embedding controls to verify supporting documentation swiftly.

• Strengthening monitoring systems to track both paid and outstanding claims.

• Providing regional manager contact details to plaintiff attorneys and suppliers to resolve specific issues quickly.

These measures aim not only to clear backlogs but to restore confidence in the Fund’s operations, which have long been criticized for inefficiency.

Impact on South Africans

For many families, delayed RAF payouts have been a source of financial and emotional strain, particularly for those relying on compensation following serious accidents. Social media and community forums have been filled with calls for the Fund to act, highlighting stories of medical bills, lost income, and mounting debts.

“The Board is fully aware of the hardship caused by these delays and is committed to resolving claims with urgency and transparency,” said the interim board in a statement.

The RAF’s renewed focus on claims management represents a broader turnaround effort aimed at tackling systemic issues and rebuilding credibility. Stakeholders are urged to collaborate with the Fund to avoid unnecessary delays and ensure a smoother process for all claimants.

For South Africans waiting on compensation, the message is clear: billions are being paid, backlogs are being addressed, and a new era of accountability is underway at the RAF.

{Source: The Citizen}

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