The Road Accident Fund (RAF) has recently joined a host of other state-owned entities receiving negative press. It’s understandable, then, that South Africans would lose their faith in the organisation. However, the reality is that the RAF has helped hundreds of thousands of South Africans recover both physically and emotionally after traumatic road accidents, and it continues to do so.

Given the number of recent articles detailing the Fund’s shortcomings, including failing to pay certain claims, along with news of the suspension of several key senior personnel, it is potentially easy to write off the RAF as another organisation that has succumbed to corruption.

Nonetheless, the RAF remains an extremely important body. Consider that there are around 15 000 reported motor vehicle accidents on South African roads each year. In fact, more than 1 502 people died in road accidents during the 2024-2025 festive season alone. Alarmingly, South Africa has one of the highest road fatality rates globally, according to the 2025 Status Report on Road Safety. South Africans are four times more likely to die in traffic accidents than the global average: there are 24.5 fatal accidents per 100 000 people, compared to 6.3 per 100 000 people globally. Sadly, given the poor state of our roads and lawless drivers, even careful drivers are at risk of making mistakes. This highlights the need for protection against the eventuality of a life changing accident.

The RAF provides such protection, compensating all individuals who have been physically or psychologically injured in an accident involving a motor vehicle and victims of hit and run drivers. The fund also makes provision for people who have lost loved ones in an accident. Approximately R45.6 billion in claims was paid during the 2023-2024 financial year.

If your claim for injury is successful, the Fund will reimburse all accident-related medical expenses, past and future loss of earnings, general damages and loss of support (resulting from loss of income), as well as funeral expenses (in the case of loss of life).

Viewed in this light, it is clear that we cannot disregard the RAF and its importance in South Africa’s welfare, economy and development. The problem, however, is that for the average South African road user, it is not an easy process either to lodge a claim, or to have that claim settled.

Understanding the Challenge

Many people who have tried to claim funds from the RAF independently complain that it is a lengthy, expensive and complicated process with high level and detailed paperwork required, and that when finally settled, the compensation is too low to make much of a difference in their lives. What’s more, providing the requisite documentation is an arduous, time consuming process, involving obtaining very costly legal and medical advice. All of this can be exceptionally taxing, especially since claimants are, usually, traumatised after an accident, with little mental or physical energy to spare for these tasks.

Why the Right Support Matters

That’s why it makes sense to partner with an entity that specialises in RAF claims. These organisations have developed long-standing relationships with key players at the organisation; in addition, they understand the correct channels to follow in order to ensure that your claim is successful. Plus, because all their resources are geared towards this outcome, they are able to invest time and effort to make sure that all challenges are addressed. In this way, claimants are assured of receiving the full and fairest settlement.

Not all partners are equal, however. It’s worth doing some research to find one that will offer not only professional assistance but also personal support, which is highly valued at such a time. Ideally, an entity will partner with you, providing regular updates, so that you know the status of your claim. Experience counts, too; but most important is the partner’s payment structure. For instance, many attorneys receive their remuneration by taking a percentage of the RAF payout, which could be up to 25% of your settlement payout over and above legal fees and disbursements. The best option is to find a partner that provides full service and covers the entire family for a small monthly membership fee, which means that the entire settlement from the RAF lands in your pocket, without any deductions or fees.

By working with a specialised partner who understands the system, it is possible to make the most of the RAF and reap the full benefits which are your legal due.