Road Accident Fund South Africa News September 2026

The Road Accident Fund (RAF) in South Africa is navigating one of its most turbulent periods in recent history. From a landmark Supreme Court of Appeal ruling that triggered a massive wave of resubmitted claims, to record-breaking quarterly payouts and a critical 30 September 2026 deadline, here is everything you need to know.

RAF Pays Out R8.9 Billion in Just Three Months

During the first quarter of the 2026/27 financial year, the RAF paid out R8.9 billion across 80,665 claims – a 54% increase year-on-year. The average payout was R283,595 per claim. The breakdown: R4.8 billion for loss of income, R2 billion in plaintiff legal costs, and R1.1 billion in general damages.

Critical 30 September 2026 RAF 1 Form Deadline

On 30 April 2026, the Supreme Court of Appeal declared the 2022 revised RAF 1 Form unlawful, reinstating the 2008 version. Claimants whose claims were rejected under the 2022 regime must resubmit by 30 September 2026 or their claims will permanently expire. The RAF projected 159,591 total resubmitted claims with a potential liability of R45.3 billion.

Foreign Nationals Lodge R23.3 Billion in RAF Claims

Transport Minister Barbara Creecy revealed that foreign nationals lodged R23.3 billion in RAF claims over five years (2021-2026), peaking at R8.53 billion in 2025/26. The Department of Transport has appealed a court ruling requiring the RAF to compensate undocumented foreign nationals.

RAF Reform and Recovery

Parliament’s Transport Committee confirmed the RAF is on a recovery path despite carrying R500 billion in total debt. Key reforms include a 120-day claims settlement target and addressing 1,007 default judgments concentrated in Gauteng.

What Claimants Need to Know

If your RAF claim was rejected between July 2022 and March 2025, resubmit before 30 September 2026. Contact RAF WhatsApp: 071 605 4707 for assistance.