JOHANNESBURG - Delays in registering claims, financial mismanagement, and unpaid suppliers are among the operational issues MPs found during a recent oversight visit to the Road Accident Fund’s (RAF) offices in Parktown, Johannesburg.
The Parliament’s Standing Committee on Public Accounts (Scopa) is continuing its scrutiny of the RAF as part of an ongoing inquiry into the fund’s financial management.
Scopa Chairperson Songezo Zibi said the visit revealed that claimants often have to visit RAF offices multiple times before receiving assistance.
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“People still spend a lot of money to get to the RAF offices to have their claims attended to. We found that some visit the offices eight, 12, or even 15 times before their issues are resolved. That is not acceptable. I spoke to one gentleman who said he spends R200 each time,” Zibi said.
Another issue affecting claimants and the RAF financially is the cost of medical reports, which are required to register a claim.
“These reports can cost around R35,000 each, depending on the severity of the injuries, meaning people can spend over R100,000 before their claim is even registered,” Zibi explained.
Once a matter reaches court, costs double for the RAF, as it must pay for the same reports to contest the claim. “We discussed with the RAF board ways to bring these costs down,” he added.
MPs also raised concerns about suppliers who process these reports but are not paid on time.
“We’re ensuring that outstanding debts and claims are settled so that, moving forward, the system becomes more efficient,” Zibi said.
Despite these challenges, Zibi noted some progress, including improved tracking of claimants lost in the system and efforts to accelerate claim payments.