Road Accident Fund (RAF) South Africa: Key Updates, Crisis and Critical Deadline – September 2026

The Road Accident Fund (RAF) faces a perfect storm in September 2026 with a critical 30 September claims resubmission deadline, a surge of 160,000 new claims following an SCA ruling, R21.7 billion in unpaid finalised claims, and a funding model overhaul underway.

1. The Critical 30 September 2026 RAF 1 Form Resubmission Deadline

One of the most pressing issues facing claimants and the RAF is the 30 September 2026 deadline for resubmitting RAF 1 Forms. This deadline emerged following a significant Supreme Court of Appeal (SCA) ruling on 30 April 2026, which declared the 2022 RAF 1 Form unlawful. The court’s decision reinstated the 2008 form as the valid claims submission document.

This development has created urgency for all claimants who previously submitted claims using the 2022 form. Those seeking compensation must resubmit their claims using the reinstated 2008 form before the 30 September deadline to ensure their claims remain valid and are processed by the RAF.

2. Surge of 159,591 New Claims and Potential R45.3 Billion Liability

The SCA ruling has triggered a significant surge in new claims submissions to the RAF. As of July 2026, the fund has received 62,643 new claims, with projections indicating a total of 159,591 new claims could be lodged. This unprecedented volume represents a major challenge for the RAF’s administrative and financial capacity.

The financial implications are staggering. These new claims carry a potential liability of R45.3 billion, which would place enormous strain on the RAF’s already stretched resources. This surge underscores the critical nature of the current crisis facing South Africa’s road accident compensation system.

3. R8.9 Billion Paid in Q1 2026/27: A 54 Percent Increase

Despite the challenges, the RAF has demonstrated increased payment activity in the first quarter of the 2026/27 financial year. The fund paid out R8.9 billion across 80,665 claims, representing a remarkable 54 percent increase compared to previous periods.

While this increase in payouts is positive for claimants receiving compensation, it also highlights the accelerating drain on the RAF’s financial resources. The fund must balance its obligation to pay valid claims with the need to maintain financial sustainability.

4. R21.76 Billion in Unpaid Finalised Claims

According to Minister Barbara Creecy, the RAF faces a significant backlog of unpaid finalised claims. As of the latest reporting, R21.76 billion remains unpaid across 37,622 finalised claims. This represents a critical issue for claimants who have had their claims approved but are still awaiting payment.

The existence of such a substantial unpaid balance raises serious concerns about the RAF’s ability to meet its obligations and highlights the urgent need for financial intervention and reform.

5. Foreign Nationals’ Claims: R23.3 Billion Over Five Years

An often-overlooked aspect of the RAF crisis is the significant volume of claims from foreign nationals. Over the past five years, foreign nationals have lodged claims totalling R23.3 billion. This amount peaked at R8.53 billion in the 2025/26 financial year alone.

These claims from foreign nationals represent a substantial portion of the RAF’s liability and raise questions about the fund’s international obligations and the sustainability of its current claims-handling model.

6. RAF Funding Model Review: Considering a Vehicle Licence Fee

In response to the mounting financial crisis, the RAF is undergoing a comprehensive review of its funding model. One proposal under consideration is the implementation of a vehicle licence fee, which would provide a more stable and predictable revenue stream for the fund.

This potential reform reflects recognition that the current funding mechanism is insufficient to meet the RAF’s obligations. A vehicle licence fee could help ensure the long-term sustainability of the fund and its ability to compensate road accident victims.

7. SCOPA Parliamentary Scrutiny and Reform Calls

The Standing Committee on Public Accounts (SCOPA) has intensified its scrutiny of the RAF, reflecting parliamentary concern about the fund’s management and financial viability. These oversight activities have led to calls for comprehensive reform of the RAF system.

Reform proposals include improved claims processing, enhanced financial management, and structural changes to ensure the RAF can meet its mandate of providing compensation to road accident victims while maintaining financial sustainability.

Contact the RAF

For more information about RAF claims and the current situation, claimants and interested parties can contact the Road Accident Fund through the following channels:

• Website: www.raf.co.za
• WhatsApp: 071 605 4707

Conclusion

The Road Accident Fund in September 2026 stands at a critical juncture. The convergence of the 30 September resubmission deadline, the surge of new claims, substantial unpaid liabilities, and ongoing reform discussions creates a complex and challenging environment for both the RAF and claimants seeking compensation. Stakeholders must act decisively to address these issues and ensure the fund’s long-term viability.