Waseem Carrim, the incoming chief executive of the Road Accident Fund (RAF), has vowed to crack down on fraud and corruption within the embattled fund. Carrim, who takes over as CEO on November 1, said that anyone involved in fraudulent activities, regardless of their position, will face consequences. He emphasized that the culture of lack of consequences has led to widespread corruption and that it is time for a change.
Carrim, 38, has a strong background in public service, having led the National Youth Development Agency (NYDA) for seven and a half years. He also served as acting CEO of the National Student Financial Aid Scheme (NSFAS), where he helped stabilize the organization after it emerged from administration. Carrim's experience in turning around troubled organizations has earned him a reputation as a capable and effective leader.
The RAF has been plagued by corruption and mismanagement, with the Auditor-General reporting that the fund's financial records could not be verified in two audits, and three adverse opinions were issued. The fund has also racked up R4.7 billion in default judgments due to its failure to defend claims against it. Carrim's appointment is seen as a move to restore credibility and transparency to the fund.
Carrim's personal background is marked by a strong sense of social justice, shaped by his family's experiences during the anti-apartheid era. His grandparents were anti-apartheid activists, and his father, a medical doctor, and mother, an accountant, instilled in him a strong work ethic. Carrim's favorite childhood memory is of watching sports events with his family, which taught him the importance of teamwork and camaraderie.
Carrim's educational background includes a degree in accounting from the University of Pretoria, where he also earned a master's degree in taxation and an MBA. He completed his articles at KPMG, where he worked with public bodies, including the CSIR and the NYDA. Carrim's experience in public service has been marked by a commitment to making a positive impact on society.
As CEO of the NYDA, Carrim achieved nine consecutive clean audits and grew the organization's budget from R400 million to R1.5 billion. He also helped stabilize NSFAS, ensuring that students received their allowances on time and reducing protests. Carrim's track record suggests that he has the skills and expertise to turn around the RAF and restore its credibility.
Carrim's appointment as RAF CEO has been welcomed by stakeholders, who hope that he will bring much-needed change to the organization. With his strong background in public service and his commitment to tackling corruption, Carrim is well-positioned to lead the RAF towards a more transparent and accountable future.
Key points
- Waseem Carrim vows to crack down on fraud and corruption at the RAF.
- Carrim has a strong background in public service, having led the NYDA and NSFAS.
- The RAF has been plagued by corruption and mismanagement, with a history of adverse audit opinions and default judgments.
