Road Accident Fund South Africa: Key Updates, Reforms & What You Need to Know in 2026

The Road Accident Fund (RAF) in South Africa continues to dominate headlines in 2026, with major developments around unpaid claims, proposed funding reforms, parliamentary scrutiny, and calls for a complete overhaul of the system. Here is a comprehensive roundup of the latest news and what it means for South African road users and accident victims.

1. R21.7 Billion in Approved Claims Still Unpaid

One of the most alarming revelations of recent months came from Transport Minister Barbara Creecy, who disclosed 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 to claimants.

According to the RAF’s internal Requested Not Yet Paid (RNYP) Claims Register, as at 28 June 2026:

• 37,622 claims worth R21.76 billion remain unpaid
• These claims involve 47,949 payment transactions
• The majority of claims date back to the period between 2007 and 2026

The main reasons cited for delayed payments include:

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

This backlog represents a serious humanitarian crisis for thousands of South Africans who have suffered life-altering injuries or lost loved ones in road accidents and are still waiting for compensation they are legally entitled to.

2. Over 300,000 Claimants Paid Out in 20 Months

Despite the backlog, the RAF has made significant strides in processing claims. Between October 2024 and May 2026, the fund paid out approximately R79.33 billion in claims and related obligations, benefiting more than 310,000 claimants.

Key payment breakdown:

• R57.54 billion paid to attorneys
• R4.48 billion paid directly to claimants

The RAF has urged claimants who receive settlements to manage their funds wisely, seek independent financial advice, and remain vigilant against fraudsters and criminal syndicates who may target settlement recipients.

“Compensation paid by the RAF is intended to provide financial support and dignity to those affected by road crashes, often for many years to come.” – Road Accident Fund

3. Proposed “Settlement Hub” to Clear the Backlog

The Association for the Protection of Road Accident Victims (Aprav) has put forward a bold proposal to address the RAF’s claims crisis: the creation of a national Settlement Hub.

Aprav vice chair Pieter de Bruyn outlined the proposal at the National Press Club in Pretoria, calling it a “simple way” to fast-track claims that are ready for payment without waiting for the RAF’s broader structural problems to be resolved first.

The Settlement Hub would:

• Identify and sort claims that are ready to settle
• Consolidate all legal, medical, and financial evidence into a single file
• Place experienced decision-makers in the room with real authority to settle
• Pay out undisputed portions immediately, sending only genuine disputes to court
• Track every case until the claimant is actually paid

The proposal would require approximately R16 billion from National Treasury – but De Bruyn stressed this is not a bailout, as the money would go directly to accident victims who have been waiting for up to a decade.

Aprav also highlighted that the RAF’s unlawful introduction of the RAF1 form – declared unlawful by the Supreme Court of Appeal – may have excluded up to 100,000 claimants with valid claims from the system.

4. New Vehicle-Linked Fee Being Considered to Fund the RAF

South African motorists may soon face a new financial obligation. The Department of Transport, in collaboration with the RAF, has initiated a structured review of the RAF’s funding framework.

Among the options being considered is a mandatory vehicle-linked fee attached to annual vehicle licence renewals or initial vehicle registrations. This would be in addition to the existing fuel levy, which currently contributes approximately R4.2 billion per month to the RAF.

The preferred funding model is expected to be announced after the 2026/27 financial year and will still need to go through policy, legislative, and stakeholder processes before implementation.

The Democratic Alliance (DA) has pushed back against the proposed new fee, arguing that the solution lies in fundamentally reforming and ultimately replacing the RAF rather than introducing new taxes.

Aprav’s De Bruyn has suggested the future funding model will likely be a hybrid model, comprising:

• The existing RAF levy in the fuel price
• An insurance top-up for those wanting additional benefits
• Private sector involvement, including funders willing to purchase portions of the RAF’s debtors book

5. Parliament Puts RAF Under the Microscope

The RAF has faced intense parliamentary scrutiny in 2026. The Standing Committee on Public Accounts (Scopa), chaired by Songezo Zibi, has been assembling a comprehensive parliamentary record of the RAF’s failures, noting that the fund is chronically underfunded – and that even when governance and operational problems are resolved, there may not be enough money to meet all claim obligations.

However, the Portfolio Committee on Transport chairperson, Donald Selamolela, offered a more optimistic view in February 2026, stating that the RAF is “on the road to recovery.”

“We are satisfied that indeed there is work happening to improve governance and stabilise the operation of RAF.” – Donald Selamolela, Portfolio Committee on Transport

Deputy Minister of Transport Mkhuleko Hlengwa likened the work of reforming the RAF to “fixing an aeroplane while airborne,” acknowledging the complexity of the task while reaffirming that reform remains a government priority.

6. RAF’s R500 Billion Debt Crisis

The RAF carries an estimated R500 billion in total debt, a figure that has drawn widespread concern about the fund’s long-term sustainability. Critics argue that the current fuel levy-based funding model is insufficient to meet the fund’s obligations, particularly as the backlog of claims continues to grow.

Parliament’s Scopa has been clear: even with improved governance, the RAF’s funding model must change. The actuarial studies commissioned by the Department of Transport have found that no single model resolves all of the RAF’s challenges, pointing to the need for a comprehensive, multi-pronged approach.

What Should RAF Claimants Do Right Now?

If you have a pending RAF claim or have recently received a settlement, here is what you need to know:

1. Verify your claim status only through official RAF channels – the RAF Contact Centre at 087 820 1111, WhatsApp on 071 605 4707, SMS on 44930, or email at contactcentre@raf.co.za.
2. Seek independent financial advice before making major spending decisions with your settlement.
3. Be vigilant against fraud – do not publicly disclose your settlement amount and be cautious of unsolicited investment offers.
4. Consult a qualified RAF attorney if your claim has been delayed or if you believe you have been unlawfully excluded from the claims process.

Looking Ahead: The Future of the RAF

The Road Accident Fund stands at a critical crossroads. With R21.7 billion in unpaid approved claims, a R500 billion debt burden, and a funding model under review, the pressure on government to act decisively has never been greater.

The coming months will be pivotal as the Department of Transport finalises its preferred funding model, Parliament continues its oversight work, and advocacy groups like Aprav push for immediate relief for the hundreds of thousands of South Africans still waiting for compensation.

For road accident victims and their families, the message is clear: stay informed, use official channels, and seek professional legal and financial guidance to protect your rights and your settlement.

Stay updated on the latest Road Accident Fund news by bookmarking this page. For more information on how to submit or track a RAF claim, visit the official RAF website at www.raf.co.za.