Road Accident Fund (RAF) South Africa: Key News and Updates July 2026

The Road Accident Fund (RAF) continues to dominate South African headlines in mid-2026. Here is a comprehensive roundup of the latest RAF news and developments as of July 11, 2026.

SECTION 1: Minister Creecy Hints at Radical New RAF Funding Model
Transport Minister Barbara Creecy has confirmed that the Department of Transport, in collaboration with the RAF, has initiated a formal review of the RAF funding framework. The RAF is currently funded through a levy of approximately R2.25 per litre of petrol and diesel. The rise of electric vehicles is reducing fuel sales, threatening the fund’s revenue base. The review is expected to conclude during the 2026/27 financial year. The Democratic Alliance has criticised any move that could result in additional costs for motorists.

SECTION 2: RAF Crisis Could Force New Vehicle Licence Fees
South Africans could face new vehicle licence fees as the government explores ways to fund the RAF. Professor Hennie Klopper of the University of Pretoria noted: the RAF receives 100,000 claims per year averaging R328,000 each; outstanding liabilities are estimated at R500 billion; South Africa’s road casualty rate exceeds international norms; the RAF has had 10 CEOs since 2002. Returning to compulsory motor insurance could cost motorists R5,000 to R10,000 per year. The WHO rates South Africa’s road traffic law enforcement at just 30%.

SECTION 3: Court Action Over 430+ Unpaid Finalised Claims
De Broglio Attorneys launched a court application against the RAF in June 2026 over non-payment of more than 430 finalised claims despite settlement agreements or court orders. Some claimants have waited over two years. Some have died before receiving compensation. The firm seeks an order compelling the RAF to explain each non-payment. Victims include Rory Meintjies (29, paralysed from waist down, still awaiting payment) and Sanet du Toit (business surviving on R500,000 overdraft).

SECTION 4: SCOPA Lays Criminal Charges Against Former RAF CEO Collins Letsoalo
Parliament’s Standing Committee on Public Accounts (SCOPA) laid criminal charges against former RAF CEO Collins Letsoalo for failing to comply with a parliamentary summons, intensifying governance scrutiny.

SECTION 5: RAF Statutory Cap on Loss of Income Claims Increased
As of 31 January 2026, the RAF increased the statutory cap for loss of income and loss of support claims. Claimants should be aware of the updated limits.

SECTION 6: Transport Committee Says RAF Shows Signs of Recovery
Portfolio Committee on Transport Chairperson Donald Selamolela expressed cautious optimism that the RAF is on the road to recovery. Deputy Minister of Transport Mkhuleko Hlengwa confirmed reform remains a priority and likened it to fixing an aeroplane while airborne.

SECTION 7: RAF Youth Driver Training and Road Safety Initiatives
The RAF released a June 2026 media statement on youth empowerment through driver training and road safety initiatives. The RAF also issued a statement on the Supreme Court of Appeal judgment against the RAF 1 Form in May 2026.

SECTION 8: Calls to Scrap the RAF
The AA CEO called the idea of a new RAF tax laughable and suggested scrapping the fund. Experts warn abolishing the RAF without a replacement would leave motorists personally liable for accident damages.

CLAIMANT GUIDANCE SECTION: Key points for RAF claimants: you have a right to claim compensation; seek legal assistance; be aware of prescription time limits; updated statutory caps apply from January 2026; court orders are enforceable if the RAF fails to pay within 180 days.

CONCLUSION: The RAF faces R500 billion in outstanding liabilities, a funding model under review, governance challenges, and hundreds of thousands of waiting claimants. The funding review concludes in 2026/27. Stay updated and consult a qualified RAF attorney if you need assistance with a claim.