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

South Africa’s Road Accident Fund (RAF) continues to dominate headlines as the embattled state entity grapples with a mounting claims backlog, a landmark court ruling, growing financial pressure, and urgent calls for systemic reform. Here is a comprehensive roundup of the most important RAF news and developments as of 1 September 2026.

1. RAF Pays R8.9 Billion in Q1 2026/27

The RAF disbursed R8.9 billion across 80,665 claims in Q1 2026/27 – a 54% increase on the R5.8 billion paid in the same quarter of the previous year. Despite this, the Requested Not Yet Paid (RNYP) balance grew from R18.56 billion to R22.18 billion by 30 June 2026. The average payment per claim was R283,595. The largest payment category was loss of earnings at R4.831 billion, followed by plaintiff legal costs at R2.018 billion and general damages at R1.358 billion.

2. R21.7 Billion in Finalised Claims Still Unpaid

Transport Minister Barbara Creecy confirmed that as of 28 June 2026, the RAF RNYP Claims Register showed 37,622 finalised claims worth R21.76 billion still awaiting payment. The main reasons for delays are outstanding compliance checks affecting claims worth nearly R11 billion, verification delays affecting R9.1 billion, and missing documentation affecting R1.7 billion.

3. SCA Ruling Triggers Surge of Up to 160,000 New Claims

A landmark Supreme Court of Appeal judgment on 30 April 2026 directed the RAF to revert to the 2008 RAF 1 claim form, finding the newer form unlawful. This has triggered a surge: 62,643 claims already received, with 96,948 more expected before the 30 September 2026 deadline. The RAF estimates its total liability at R40.9 billion. Claimants previously excluded must refile before 30 September 2026.

4. RAF Helping Fewer Victims Despite Rising Costs

SCOPA and APRAV have raised serious concerns. The RAF previously completed over 400,000 claims per year but now completes only around 70,000 annually. The average cost per settled claim has risen by more than 70% in three to four years. Some victims have waited up to 10 years for compensation. Despite less than 5% of claims being genuinely disputed, 90% go to court, generating a legal bill exceeding R6 billion.

5. APRAV Proposes a National Settlement Hub

APRAV has proposed a National Settlement Hub to fast-track approximately 100,000 claims ready for settlement. The Hub would sort claims, consolidate documentation, bring decision-makers with real authority together, settle undisputed portions, and track every case until payment. APRAV estimates R16 billion from National Treasury would be needed.

6. RAF Funding Model Under Review

The RAF is funded by a fuel levy of R2.25 per litre, generating about R4.2 billion per month. Minister Creecy confirmed a structured review of the funding framework is underway, with a mandatory vehicle licence fee among the options. APRAV advocates a hybrid model comprising the existing fuel levy, an optional insurance top-up, and private sector involvement.

7. RAF Community Outreach Programme

The RAF has launched a community outreach programme with events at Ngwelezane Hospital (February 2026) and Kokstad (August 2026). Deputy Transport Minister Mkhuleko Hlengwa flagged a critical gap where attorneys received RAF payments without informing their clients.

Key Takeaways for RAF Claimants

1. 30 September 2026 deadline: Refile using the 2008 RAF 1 form if you were previously excluded.
2. Check your claim status via RAF outreach events or direct contact.
3. Beware of unscrupulous attorneys – ensure you are informed of all payments and offers.
4. Funding model changes are coming – new vehicle licence fees may be introduced.
5. Parliamentary action is imminent – SCOPA report expected before end of September 2026.

Conclusion

The Road Accident Fund remains one of South Africa’s most pressing public finance and social justice challenges. While payouts are up 54% year-on-year, the structural funding gap continues to widen. The SCA ruling has added up to 160,000 new claims to an already strained system. September 2026 is a pivotal month for the RAF’s future.

Sources: Moonstone Information Refinery, IOL Business, The Citizen/Rekord, Moneyweb, Africa24TV, NVR Law