Delays in processing claims, financial mismanagement and unpaid service providers are among the key challenges identified at the Road Accident Fund’s (RAF) Parktown offices during a recent oversight visit by Members of Parliament.
Parliament’s Standing Committee on Public Accounts (Scopa) is continuing its investigation into the RAF’s financial management, with the visit forming part of its broader inquiry into the fund’s operations.
Scopa chairperson Songezo Zibi said MPs found that many claimants are forced to make repeated trips to RAF offices before receiving assistance, placing an additional financial burden on already vulnerable individuals.
“People still spend a lot of money to get to the RAF offices to have their claims attended to. We found that some visit the offices eight, 12, or even 15 times before their issues are resolved. That is not acceptable,” Zibi said. “One gentleman told me he spends R200 each time he travels to the office.”
Zibi also highlighted the high cost of medical reports required to lodge claims, describing it as a major obstacle for applicants. Depending on the severity of injuries, each report can cost about R35,000, with some claimants spending more than R100,000 before their cases are even registered.
He said the financial strain worsens once matters reach court, where the RAF often has to pay for similar reports again to challenge claims, effectively doubling the expense. The committee has engaged the RAF board on ways to reduce these costs.
Concerns were also raised about suppliers who compile medical reports but face delayed payments from the fund, affecting service delivery and creating further inefficiencies.
“We’re ensuring that outstanding debts and claims are settled so that, moving forward, the system becomes more efficient,” Zibi said.
Despite the challenges, the committee noted signs of progress, including improved systems to track claimants whose cases had stalled and efforts to speed up payouts.
For many claimants, however, MPs said meaningful improvements cannot come soon enough especially when accessing compensation feels more like a marathon than a process.