RAF Accelerates Payment of Outstanding Claims: R3.3 Billion Disbursed in Three Weeks

Road Accident Fund Makes Significant Progress in Clearing Claims Backlog

The Road Accident Fund (RAF) has announced a major breakthrough in addressing its longstanding claims backlog, having disbursed R3.3 billion in outstanding payments over the past three weeks. This significant development comes as part of the fund’s aggressive turnaround strategy under new leadership.

Key Developments in RAF Claims Processing

The RAF’s interim board, led by former Treasury official Kenneth Brown, has prioritized claims older than 180 days, with the total value of claims in this category estimated at over R20 billion. The fund expects to maintain monthly payments exceeding R4 billion for the remainder of 2025.

New Measures for Improved Efficiency

• Streamlined Documentation Review: Controls have been embedded to ensure supporting documentation is reviewed promptly to avoid administrative delays
• Enhanced Monitoring Systems: Strengthened tracking systems for both paid and outstanding claims to ensure compliance, accountability, and transparency
• Bi-monthly Reporting: Public reports detailing payment progress and amounts disbursed will be issued regularly

Background: Board Dissolution and New Leadership

The current progress follows Transport Minister Barbara Creecy’s decision in July 2025 to dissolve the previous RAF board due to ongoing governance and operational problems. The appointment of the interim board marked a turning point in the fund’s approach to claims processing.

High Court Ruling Impact

The RAF’s accelerated payment schedule was triggered after a high court ruling dismissed the fund’s request to extend its payment moratorium. This legal decision forced the organization to resume payments immediately, leading to the current intensive settlement drive.

Parliamentary Inquiry on the Horizon

Parliament’s Standing Committee on Public Accounts (Scopa), under chairperson Songezo Zibi, has launched a comprehensive inquiry into allegations of:

• Maladministration at the RAF
• Financial mismanagement
• Wasteful and reckless expenditure
• Related financial misconduct
• Possible judicial corruption in RAF claims processing

The inquiry, set to begin next month, will examine allegations that some members of the judiciary may be colluding with lawyers in RAF claims processing.

Impact on Claimants and Families

The RAF board has acknowledged the significant financial and emotional strain that delayed payments have caused for claimants and their families. The current initiative aims to provide much-needed relief to those who have been waiting for compensation.

“The board is acutely aware of the financial and emotional strain that delayed payments have caused for claimants and their families. We reaffirm our responsibility to resolve this matter with urgency and transparency.”

– RAF Board Statement

Looking Forward: Sustainable Claims Processing

The RAF’s current payment drive is designed to become the new standard operating procedure rather than a temporary measure. The fund aims to:

• Substantially reduce the claims backlog in the coming months
• Prevent future accumulation of delayed claims
• Restore confidence in the fund’s claims processing system
• Maintain transparent communication with stakeholders

Challenges Ahead

While the progress is encouraging, the RAF still faces significant challenges:

• Processing the remaining R16.7 billion in outstanding claims
• Addressing non-compliant claims that may require direct engagement
• Managing disputes and clarifications on complex cases
• Maintaining the current pace of payments sustainably

What This Means for RAF Claimants

For individuals and families with pending RAF claims, these developments represent hope for faster resolution. The fund’s commitment to prioritizing older claims means that those who have been waiting the longest should see their cases processed first.

Key takeaways for claimants:

• Claims older than 180 days are being prioritized
• Monthly payments are expected to exceed R4 billion
• Bi-monthly progress reports will be made public
• New systems are in place to prevent future delays

Conclusion

The RAF’s recent progress in clearing its claims backlog represents a significant step forward for South Africa’s road accident compensation system. With R3.3 billion already disbursed and a commitment to maintaining high monthly payment levels, the fund appears to be on track to address its historical challenges.

However, the upcoming parliamentary inquiry will likely shed more light on the systemic issues that led to the backlog in the first place. The success of the current turnaround strategy will ultimately be measured by the fund’s ability to maintain these payment levels while ensuring proper governance and transparency.

Stay updated with the latest RAF news and developments by following our regular coverage of South Africa’s road accident compensation system.