RAF Makes Major Breakthrough: R3.3 Billion Paid in Outstanding Claims as New Board Tackles R20 Billion Backlog

The Road Accident Fund (RAF) has announced a significant breakthrough in addressing its longstanding claims backlog, having disbursed R3.3 billion in outstanding claims over the past three weeks. This development marks a turning point for thousands of accident victims who have been waiting for compensation, some for years.

New Leadership Drives Transformation

Under the leadership of interim board chairperson Kenneth Brown, a former Treasury official and current Development Bank of Southern Africa board member, the RAF has implemented a comprehensive strategy to tackle the massive claims backlog. The new board was appointed in August 2025 following the dissolution of the previous board by Transport Minister Barbara Creecy in July.

Priority Focus on Long-Outstanding Claims

The RAF’s new approach prioritizes claims older than 180 days, with the total value of claims in this category estimated at more than R20 billion. The fund has committed to:

• Paying out more than R4 billion in claims every month
• Conducting comprehensive reviews of all outstanding claims
• Implementing new controls to ensure prompt documentation review
• Publishing bi-monthly progress reports for transparency

Addressing the Claims Crisis

The Road Accident Fund has faced significant challenges in recent years, with thousands of accident victims experiencing lengthy delays in receiving compensation. The current initiative represents the most substantial effort to date to address these systemic issues.

Key Statistics:

• R3.3 billion paid in the past three weeks
• R20+ billion total outstanding claims backlog
• R4+ billion monthly payment target going forward
• 180+ days priority threshold for claim processing

Parliamentary Oversight and Accountability

The RAF’s transformation efforts come as Parliament’s Standing Committee on Public Accounts (SCOPA) prepares to launch an inquiry into allegations of financial mismanagement at the fund. The inquiry, set to begin in October 2025, will examine the fund’s operations and governance structures.

Transparency Measures

The new board has committed to enhanced transparency through:

• Regular bi-monthly public reports on payment progress
• Direct engagement processes for disputed claims
• Clear communication channels for claimants
• Improved documentation and review processes

Impact on Accident Victims

This development brings hope to thousands of South Africans who have been waiting for RAF compensation. The fund provides crucial financial support to road accident victims and their families, covering medical expenses, loss of income, and other accident-related costs.

What This Means for Claimants

Accident victims with outstanding claims, particularly those submitted more than 180 days ago, can expect:

• Accelerated processing of their claims
• Regular updates on payment progress
• Clearer communication from the RAF
• Faster resolution of documentation issues

Looking Forward: RAF Reform and Sustainability

The current payment acceleration is part of a broader reform initiative aimed at making the RAF more efficient and sustainable. The new board’s approach focuses on both clearing the existing backlog and preventing future accumulation of outstanding claims.

Long-term Objectives

The RAF’s transformation strategy includes:

• Streamlining claim processing procedures
• Implementing robust financial controls
• Enhancing stakeholder communication
• Ensuring sustainable funding models

Conclusion

The Road Accident Fund’s recent R3.3 billion payout represents a significant step forward in addressing the claims backlog that has affected thousands of South African families. Under Kenneth Brown’s leadership, the new board’s commitment to transparency, efficiency, and accountability offers hope for a more responsive and effective RAF.

As the fund continues its efforts to clear the R20 billion backlog, accident victims and their families can expect improved service delivery and faster claim resolutions. The upcoming parliamentary inquiry will provide additional oversight to ensure these positive changes are sustained.

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