Road Accident Fund (RAF) South Africa: Key Updates, Challenges and Reforms in 2026

Introduction: The RAF Under the Spotlight in 2026

South Africa’s Road Accident Fund (RAF) continues to dominate headlines in 2026, as the state-mandated insurer grapples with mounting unpaid claims, legal battles, governance concerns, and a growing need for structural reform. Here is a comprehensive roundup of the latest news and developments surrounding the RAF.

1. R21.7 Billion in Unpaid Claims: Accident Victims Left Waiting

Transport Minister Barbara Creecy confirmed in a parliamentary reply that the RAF has more than R21.7 billion in finalised claims that have not yet been paid out to accident victims. According to the RAF’s Requested Not Yet Paid (RNYP) Claims Register, as at 28 June 2026, there were 37,622 unpaid claims totalling R21.76 billion across 47,949 payment transactions. Many claims date back to 2007. The main reasons for delayed payments are outstanding compliance checks affecting claims worth nearly R11 billion, verification delays affecting claims worth more than R9.1 billion, and missing documents affecting claims worth approximately R1.7 billion.

2. Court Action Launched Over 430+ Unpaid Finalised Claims

De Broglio Attorneys launched a court application against the RAF in June 2026 for non-payment of more than 430 finalised claims despite settlement agreements and court orders. Some claimants have waited over two years. Attorney Michael de Broglio said these are not numbers on a spreadsheet but individuals whose lives have been fundamentally changed by serious road accidents. Affected claimants include Rory Meintjies, a 29-year-old paraplegic still awaiting payment despite a court award, and Sanet du Toit, a Gauteng business owner whose business survived on R500,000 in overdrafts while waiting for her payout.

3. RAF Pays Out R79.33 Billion But Legal Fees Dominate

Between October 2024 and May 2026, more than 310,000 beneficiaries received payments totalling R79.33 billion. However, R57.54 billion went to attorneys while only R4.48 billion went directly to claimants. In Q1 of the 2026/27 financial year, the RAF paid R8.9 billion in claims, a 54% increase from the previous year.

4. Scam Warnings for RAF Claimants

The RAF has warned claimants about fraud and criminal syndicates targeting settlement recipients. Contact the RAF only through official channels: Contact Centre 087 820 11 11 (Monday to Friday 07:45 to 16:00), WhatsApp 071 605 4707, SMS 44930, email contactcentre@raf.co.za, or website www.raf.co.za.

5. Parliament: Signs of Recovery But Reforms Must Accelerate

Portfolio Committee on Transport Chairperson Donald Selamolela stated in February 2026 that the RAF is on the road to recovery. Deputy Minister of Transport Mkhuleko Hlengwa described reforms as fixing an aeroplane while airborne, with direct claims as an immediate priority.

6. RAF Funding Model Under Review: A New Vehicle Levy?

The RAF carries an estimated R500 billion in debt and is funded through a fuel levy. Transport Minister Creecy confirmed a review of the funding model, with a possible mandatory vehicle-linked fee on annual vehicle licence renewals under consideration. The proposal has attracted criticism from motoring organisations.

7. SCOPA Inquiry and Governance Concerns

Parliament’s Standing Committee on Public Accounts (SCOPA) launched an inquiry into RAF governance and laid criminal charges against former RAF CEO Collins Letsoalo for failing to comply with a parliamentary summons.

Key Trends and Takeaways

• R21.7 billion in unpaid finalised claims is a systemic failure demanding urgent resolution
• Legal costs consuming R57.54 billion of R79.33 billion in payouts is unsustainable
• Governance reforms are underway but need to accelerate
• Funding model reform is inevitable as the fuel levy alone cannot sustain the RAF
• Fraud targeting claimants is a growing threat

Advice for RAF Claimants

• Engage a reputable attorney specialising in RAF claims
• Track your claim through official RAF channels and keep all documentation
• Be aware of the 180-day payment period after a claim is finalised
• Protect your settlement from scammers and seek independent financial advice

Conclusion

The Road Accident Fund remains one of South Africa’s most complex and controversial public entities. While there are signs of recovery, the scale of unpaid claims, legal battles, and governance challenges show an institution still under significant strain. For the hundreds of thousands of South Africans depending on the RAF for compensation after life-altering road accidents, the pace of reform cannot come soon enough.

Sources: IOL Business, Moneyweb, The Citizen, Africa24 TV, Sowetan Live – September 2026.