Road Accident Fund: Latest News and Updates for September 2026

Road Accident Fund in Crisis: Key Developments for September 2026

South Africa’s Road Accident Fund (RAF) is under extraordinary pressure as it heads into the final quarter of 2026. Here is a summary of the most important recent developments.

R21.7 Billion in Unpaid Claims

Transport Minister Barbara Creecy confirmed in a parliamentary reply that as at 28 June 2026, the RAF’s Requested Not Yet Paid (RNYP) Claims Register recorded 37 622 finalised claims worth R21.76 billion that remain unpaid, involving 47 949 payment transactions. The main reasons for delays include outstanding compliance checks (affecting nearly R11 billion in claims), verification delays (R9.1 billion), and missing documents (R1.7 billion). Alarmingly, 36 442 of these claims date back to between 2007 and 2026.

The RAF Is Technically Bankrupt

In February 2026, Acting Director-General Mathabatha Mokonyama told Parliament’s Standing Committee on Public Accounts (SCOPA) that the RAF is technically bankrupt. The fund spends approximately R20 billion per year on claims but earns only around R4.55 billion from the fuel levy. There were 445 782 outstanding claims in the 2024/25 financial year, and only 9.8% of claims were closed within the statutory 120-day investigation period. Some court trial dates are now being set as far as November 2033. Despite this, the RAF cannot be liquidated as it is a statutory entity under the Road Accident Fund Act 56 of 1996.

SCA Ruling Triggers Wave of 160 000 New Claims

On 30 April 2026, the Supreme Court of Appeal declared the 2022 RAF 1 claim form unlawful. Claimants whose submissions were rejected or not acknowledged under the 2022 regime may resubmit their claims using the reinstated 2008 RAF 1 form. The deadline to refile is 30 September 2026. By 1 July 2026, the RAF had already received 62 643 claims in this post-judgment stream, and projects a total of 159 591 claims by the deadline. The potential financial liability is approximately R45.3 billion, with some legal estimates placing the total new liability as high as R180 billion.

Spending More, Helping Fewer People

The RAF previously completed more than 400 000 claims per year. Currently, only approximately 70 000 claims are being completed annually, while the average cost per settled claim has increased by more than 70% within three to four years. The RAF’s accumulated legal bill stands at R6 billion, largely because over 90% of RAF claims end up in court. APRAV Chair Ngoako Mohlaloga and SCOPA Chair Songezo Zibi have both raised serious alarm about the fund’s trajectory.

National Settlement Hub Proposed

The Association for the Protection of Road Accident Victims (APRAV) has proposed the creation of a National Settlement Hub, requiring R16 billion from National Treasury to clear the backlog of approximately 100 000 claims that are ready for payment. APRAV Vice Chair Pieter de Bruyn stressed this is not a bailout but rather direct payment to accident victims who have been waiting for up to 10 years. The hub would sort claims, consolidate documentation, empower decision-makers, settle undisputed portions, and track every case until the claimant is paid.

New Funding Model Under Review

Transport Minister Barbara Creecy has confirmed that the Department of Transport has initiated a formal review of the RAF’s funding framework. Among the options being considered is a mandatory fee linked to annual vehicle licence renewals or initial vehicle registrations. The current fuel levy generates approximately R4.2 billion per month but is widely acknowledged as insufficient. The future model is likely to be a hybrid comprising the existing fuel levy, an optional insurance top-up, and private sector involvement.

Key Deadlines and Steps for Claimants

• 30 September 2026 deadline: If your claim was rejected or not acknowledged after July 2022, you must resubmit using the 2008 RAF 1 form before this date.
• Lodge your claim as soon as possible. Prescription periods are three years for identified driver claims and two years for hit-and-run incidents.
• Obtain proper legal representation to navigate the complex claims process.
• Keep all documentation including medical records, police reports, and proof of income loss.
• Issue summons within five years of the accident date to interrupt prescription.
• Contact the RAF via WhatsApp: 071 605 4707

Looking Ahead

SCOPA intends to present its comprehensive report on the RAF to Parliament before the end of September 2026. The government is also pursuing the Road Accident Benefit Scheme (RABS) Bill as a potential long-term replacement for the current system. The RAF’s community outreach campaign continues, with a visit to Kimberley planned for 5 September 2026.

Sources: IOL Business, Moonstone Information Refinery, Moneyweb, Rekord/The Citizen, NVR Attorneys, RAF Media Statements.

Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. If you have a pending RAF claim, consult a qualified attorney.