Road Accident Fund (RAF) South Africa: Key Updates, Challenges & Reforms – September 2026

The Road Accident Fund (RAF) remains one of South Africa’s most scrutinised state entities in 2026, facing a perfect storm of mounting unpaid claims, landmark court rulings, funding model debates, and calls for wholesale reform. Here is a comprehensive roundup of the latest news and developments surrounding the RAF as of September 2026.

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

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

“The total number of claims finalised but not yet paid (RNYP) as at June 28, 2026, is 37,622 claims to the total value of R21.76 billion across 47,949 payment transactions.” — Minister Barbara Creecy

2. SCA Ruling Triggers Surge of Nearly 160,000 New Claims

A landmark Supreme Court of Appeal (SCA) judgment on 30 April 2026 confirmed that the 2022 RAF 1 Form regime was unlawful, reinstating the original 2008 RAF 1 Form. The court found the RAF lacked authority to impose additional documentation requirements, the Minister’s approval was unlawful due to lack of public participation, and the revised form created unnecessary barriers to lodging claims.

Claimants previously rejected under the 2022 regime can resubmit by 30 September 2026 using the 2008 form, with their claim treated as lodged on the original date. By 1 July 2026, the RAF had received 62,643 post-judgment claims, with projections of 159,591 total claims by the deadline. The potential financial exposure could reach R45.3 billion. The RAF paid R8.9 billion on 80,665 claims in Q1 2026/27 — a 54% increase year-on-year. Acting CEO Radikwena Phora confirmed additional contractors, overtime, and IT changes are in place to manage the surge.

3. Calls to Scrap the RAF and Replace It with Compulsory Third-Party Insurance

Bobby Ramagwede, CEO of the Automobile Association (AA), called the proposed vehicle licence disc tax “laughable,” noting the RAF collects R45 billion per year from fuel levies yet remains technically insolvent. The Special Investigating Unit (SIU) has flagged over R340 million in duplicate payments to law firms and 10 contracts under investigation.

“It’s no secret. The RAF is embattled and maladministered. In fact, it collects more money than it disburses.” — Bobby Ramagwede, AA CEO

The Democratic Alliance (DA) through Dr Chris Hunsinger also called for the RAF to be replaced: “The RAF is not in crisis because motorists are not paying enough — the RAF is in crisis because years of mismanagement, corruption, waste and poor governance have left it financially crippled.”

4. New Funding Model Under Review — Vehicle Licence Disc Levy Proposed

With EV adoption threatening the RAF’s fuel levy of R2.25 per litre, Minister Creecy has proposed a transitional levy on vehicle licence disc renewals. The proposal faces fierce opposition as a double tax. The Department of Transport is conducting a formal review of the RAF’s funding framework.

5. Foreign Nationals’ Claims: R23 Billion Claimed, R6 Billion Paid Out

Over five financial years (2021/22–2025/26), 13,127 foreigner-related claims were lodged totalling R23.3 billion, with R6.3 billion paid out. The Department of Transport is appealing a Supreme Court ruling that allowed undocumented foreign nationals to claim from the RAF, with Deputy Minister Hlengwa calling it a “wrong ruling.”

6. Parliament: Signs of Recovery, But Reform Must Accelerate

Portfolio Committee Chairperson Donald Selamolela stated the RAF is “on the road to recovery,” with governance improvements underway. Deputy Minister Hlengwa likened reform to “fixing an aeroplane while airborne.” The committee has called for urgent legislative review to close loopholes.

“We are satisfied that indeed there is work happening to improve governance and stabilise operation of RAF.” — Donald Selamolela

7. RAF Community Outreach and Settlement Drives

The RAF’s Community Outreach Campaign headed to Kimberley on 5 September 2026. Earlier in 2026, a Settlement Drive was held at Ngwelezane Hospital to fast-track payments. These initiatives aim to reduce the claims backlog and improve service delivery to accident victims.

Key Takeaways: What South Africans Need to Know About the RAF in 2026

• R21.76 billion in finalised claims remain unpaid as at June 2026.
• A landmark SCA ruling reinstated the 2008 RAF 1 Form, triggering up to 160,000 new claims with a potential liability of R45 billion.
• The RAF paid R8.9 billion in Q1 2026/27 — a 54% year-on-year increase.
• Calls to scrap the RAF and replace it with compulsory third-party insurance are growing.
• A new vehicle licence disc levy is being considered to replace declining fuel levy revenue.
• Foreign nationals have claimed R23 billion from the RAF over five years.
• Parliament insists reform must accelerate.

How to Lodge a RAF Claim

1. Complete the RAF 1 Form (2008 version, currently applicable).
2. Gather supporting documentation: medical reports, police reports, proof of identity.
3. Submit your claim to the RAF directly or through a registered attorney.
4. Contact the RAF WhatsApp: 071 605 4707 to check your claim status.

Important: If your claim was previously rejected under the 2022 RAF 1 Form regime, you have until 30 September 2026 to resubmit using the 2008 form.

Stay informed about the latest Road Accident Fund news and updates. We publish daily summaries of RAF developments to help South Africans navigate the claims process and understand their rights.