The Road Accident Fund (RAF) in South Africa is facing significant pressure, with over 422,000 claims still open, and most of them older than five years. According to the fund's annual report, claims that are more than five years old accounted for 59% of all open claims in the 2025/26 financial year, up from 51% the previous year. This growing concentration of older claims is a major concern despite efforts by RAF to reduce its backlog.
The fund's annual report was presented in a parliamentary portfolio committee on transport, highlighting the scale of RAF's claims backlog. During the 2025/26 financial year, the fund compensated just over 133,000 claims, an increase from about 116,800 claims in the previous financial year. RAF attributed the increase partly to delays in attorneys submitting bills for legal costs, which affected the timing of payments.
A temporary increase in legal and related costs during the 2025/26 financial year was largely driven by efforts to settle a backlog of outstanding legal expenses. However, legal and other claims-related costs have averaged about 16% of compensation costs over the past five years. The fund said addressing the backlog, improving claims processing, and managing its cash position remain key priorities as it works to strengthen its financial sustainability.
The Road Accident Fund's headquarters in Centurion, Gauteng, is working to reduce its backlog and improve claims processing. Despite the challenges, the fund has made efforts to settle outstanding claims and manage its expenses. The RAF's financial sustainability is a key concern, with the fund working to address these issues.
The South African government has been working to address the issues facing the Road Accident Fund. Various stakeholders, including OUTA and ASSA, have suggested that a hybrid model and fixing the revenue collection system could help improve the fund's performance. The fund's annual report highlights the need for a sustainable solution to the claims backlog.
The Road Accident Fund's claims backlog has significant implications for claimants and the broader community. The fund provides critical support to those affected by road accidents, and delays in processing claims can exacerbate the challenges faced by these individuals. The RAF's efforts to address the backlog and improve claims processing are crucial in this regard.
The Road Accident Fund will continue to face challenges in addressing its claims backlog and improving its financial sustainability. Key priorities for the fund include addressing the backlog, improving claims processing, and managing its cash position. The fund's annual report highlights the need for ongoing efforts to strengthen its financial sustainability and provide critical support to those affected by road accidents.
Key points
- The Road Accident Fund has over 422,000 open claims, with most older than five years.
- Claims that are more than five years old accounted for 59% of all open claims in the 2025/26 financial year.
- The fund compensated just over 133,000 claims during the 2025/26 financial year.
