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

The Road Accident Fund (RAF) in South Africa is at a critical crossroads in September 2026. From a landmark Supreme Court of Appeal (SCA) ruling that triggered a flood of nearly 160,000 new claims, to R21.7 billion in unpaid finalised claims and a heated debate over foreign nationals access to compensation, the RAF is making headlines daily. Here is a comprehensive roundup of the most important RAF news and developments you need to know right now.

1. Critical RAF 1 Form Deadline: 30 September 2026

One of the most urgent developments affecting thousands of South Africans is the 30 September 2026 deadline for claimants to resubmit claims under the reinstated 2008 RAF 1 Form.

On 30 April 2026, the Supreme Court of Appeal (SCA) dismissed the RAF appeal and confirmed a Gauteng High Court ruling that the revised 2022 RAF 1 Form was unlawful. The Court found that the RAF did not have the authority to impose additional binding requirements, the Minister approval was unlawful due to a lack of public participation, and the revised form created unnecessary barriers to lodging claims.

As a result, the 2008 RAF 1 Form was reinstated. Claimants whose submissions were previously rejected under the 2022 regime were given the opportunity to resubmit by 30 September 2026. Successfully resubmitted claims are treated as having been lodged on the original submission date, protecting them from prescription. Legal practitioners are urged to act immediately.

2. RAF Faces Surge of Almost 160,000 Claims After SCA Ruling

The SCA judgment has created an unprecedented administrative challenge for the RAF. According to a presentation to Parliament Portfolio Committee on Transport on 11 August 2026:

• By 1 July 2026, the RAF had received 62,643 claims in the post-judgment stream (95% personal, 5% supplier claims).
• A further 96,948 claims were projected before the 30 September deadline, bringing the total to approximately 159,591 claims.
• Potential financial exposure is estimated at R40.9 billion to R45.3 billion, based on the RAF average payment of R283,595 per claim in Q1 2026/27.

Claims are concentrated in Pretoria (29,958), Johannesburg (17,904), Durban (5,672), East London (5,016), and Cape Town (4,093). Acting CEO Radikwena Phora confirmed the RAF has brought in additional contractors, introduced overtime, and reconfigured its Bokamoso IT system to manage the surge.

3. RAF Pays R8.9 Billion in Claims in Just Three Months

Despite enormous pressure, the RAF showed improved payment performance. The Fund paid out R8.9 billion on 80,665 claims during Q1 2026/27 (April to June 2026), a 54% increase year-on-year. Additional payments included approximately R2 billion in plaintiff legal costs and R1.1 billion in general damages. The acting CEO stated that the Fund is paying quite well. However, critics note this progress is overshadowed by a rapidly growing claims backlog.

4. R21.7 Billion in Finalised Claims Still Unpaid

Transport Minister Barbara Creecy revealed in a parliamentary reply that the RAF holds a staggering R21.76 billion in finalised but unpaid claims. According to the RAF Requested Not Yet Paid (RNYP) Claims Register as at 28 June 2026, 37,622 claims worth R21.76 billion across 47,949 payment transactions remained unpaid, some dating back to 2007.

Main reasons for delays:

• Outstanding compliance checks – nearly R11 billion affected.
• Verification delays – more than R9.1 billion affected.
• Missing documents – approximately R1.7 billion affected.

This backlog continues to cause severe hardship for accident victims and their families.

5. Foreign Nationals Lodge R23.3 Billion in RAF Claims

Minister Creecy revealed that foreign nationals lodged claims worth more than R23.3 billion with the RAF over five financial years (2021 to 2026). The 2025/26 financial year alone saw R8.53 billion in foreign national claims, the highest single-year figure. These are claimed amounts, not actual payouts.

The surge follows an SCA ruling that the RAF must compensate all road accident victims, including undocumented foreign nationals, as the term any person in the RAF Act includes them. The Department of Transport has appealed this ruling. Parliament Transport Committee Chairperson welcomed the ruling, stating that the RAF funding is intended for victims of road accidents, a purpose for which no one should interfere based on nationality.

6. RAF Funding Model Under Review – New Vehicle Tax on the Cards?

The RAF long-term financial sustainability is under scrutiny. Currently funded primarily through a fuel levy on petrol and diesel, the model faces strain as electric vehicles grow in popularity. Minister Creecy confirmed a structured review of the RAF funding framework is underway, with a mandatory vehicle-linked fee attached to annual licence renewals among the options being considered. Motoring organisations have pushed back against the proposed new tax.

7. Signs of Recovery – But Reform Must Accelerate

Parliament Transport Committee Chairperson acknowledged in early 2026 that the RAF is showing signs of recovery, but stressed that reform must accelerate. The RAF interim board has warned Parliament that liabilities continue to grow despite improved payouts. APRAV (Association of Personal Injury Lawyers) and Parliament SCOPA have both called for urgent structural reforms to address systemic failures.

What Should RAF Claimants Do Right Now?

1. Act before 30 September 2026: If your claim was rejected under the 2022 RAF 1 Form regime, resubmit using the 2008 form immediately. Contact your attorney without delay.
2. Track your claim: Visit www.raf.co.za or WhatsApp the RAF on 071 605 4707.
3. Ensure document compliance: Many claims are delayed due to missing documents. Submit all required paperwork promptly.
4. Seek legal advice: Work with a qualified attorney specialising in personal injury claims to navigate the complex RAF process.

Conclusion

The Road Accident Fund is navigating one of its most turbulent periods in recent history. A landmark SCA ruling, a looming claims deadline, billions in unpaid claims, and a funding model under review all point to an institution under enormous pressure, but also one being pushed toward meaningful reform. For South African road users, accident victims, and legal practitioners, staying informed about RAF developments has never been more important.

Sources: IOL Business, Moonstone Information Refinery, Sowetan Live, Africa24TV, Parliament of South Africa, TopAuto.co.za – September 2026.