If you’ve been injured in a road accident, it’s only natural that you turn to the Road Accident Fund (RAF) to help you recover financially. However, recent developments have raised concerns about how the RAF is functioning and what this means for ordinary South Africans who need support.
A quick overview: A formal parliamentary investigation is currently taking place, shining a harsh spotlight on the challenges facing the RAF’s finances and operations.
What this means is that if you’re waiting for a payout or planning to submit a claim, you need to understand what’s happening and how it could affect your recovery journey to make sure you protect yourself and your loved ones.
What is the RAF investigation about?
In June 2025, Parliament’s Standing Committee on Public Accounts (SCOPA) began a full inquiry into the RAF’s financial affairs. This investigation follows years of public concern about delays in claim processing, rising legal costs, and questions around governance.
According to SCOPA’s official media statement, the inquiry is focused on:
- Financial management and expenditure
- Operational delays and inefficiencies
- Legal disputes with service providers
- Leadership and oversight concerns
The inquiry includes testimonies from RAF executives, legal professionals, and claimants. Its purpose is to understand the current state of the fund and identify areas that may need improvement.
Why this matters to road users
Some of the ways the current situation may affect road users include:
- Extended waiting periods Claim processing times could be affected by internal reviews, restructuring, or administrative changes, meaning you may have to wait longer for compensation.
- Uncertainty around claim outcomes As the inquiry progresses, there may be changes to how claims are assessed or paid out, which can create uncertainty, especially if you’re in the middle of the process.
- Legal and procedural complexity Ongoing legal disputes and operational reviews can have an influence on how claims are handled, which could make the process more difficult to navigate.
- Financial stress Delays in receiving compensation can lead to financial pressure, especially for those who have lost income or are dealing with unexpected expenses.
What you can do if you’ve been in an accident
If you’re waiting for a RAF payout or planning to submit a claim, it’s important to explore your available options for much-needed financial support. One option that may help during this time is the Motor Vehicle Accident (MVA) Fund.
How the MVA Fund supports accident victims
The MVA Fund provides financial assistance to individuals who have been injured in road accidents. It offers access to funding that can be used for essential expenses, immediately after an accident or while waiting for a RAF claim to be processed.
Here’s how the MVA Fund works:
- You can apply for funding immediately after your accident.
- If your application is approved, you will receive a lump sum payout within 30 days.
- The funds are interest-free, and there are no hidden costs.
- You can use the money for day to day expenses like medical bills, rent, groceries, school fees, transport, and other living expenses.
- You don’t need a credit score or collateral to apply.
- You can apply even if your RAF claim has not yet been submitted.
This type of support can help you manage your recovery without the added stress of financial uncertainty.
What to expect from the MVA Fund
- Timely access to funds Once your application is approved, you’ll get your payout within 30 days to cover urgent expenses and keep you financially afloat.
- Personalised support The MVA Fund engages with applicants early in the recovery process with case managers who are available to help you understand your options and guide you through the application.
- Transparent process The application process is straightforward, with clear communication and no hidden fees, so you’ll know exactly what to expect and how to get the support you need.
Why financial support matters after an accident
Recovering from a road accident involves more than just physical healing. Many victims face emotional stress, financial strain, and uncertainty about the future. Having access to financial support can make a meaningful difference in your ability to focus on recovery and maintain your quality of life.
Whether you’re dealing with medical treatment, rehabilitation, or everyday expenses, financial assistance can help you stay on track and avoid long-term hardship.
Preparing for the future
South Africa’s roads can be unpredictable, and accidents often happen when least expected. The RAF plays an important role in providing compensation, but the current investigation highlights the challenges that many claimants face.
If you’ve been in a road accident and you’re worried about delays or financial stress, the MVA offers a practical solution for managing expenses while you wait for your RAF claim to be finalised.
You don’t have to face this journey alone; the MVA Fund provides support, guidance, and financial relief when you need it most.
If you or someone you know has been affected by a road accident, contact the MVA Fund today to learn more about how to apply and take the next step toward recovery.