WeeklySA_AdminNARRATIVE: Despite mounting criticism and internal turmoil, the Road Accident Fund still delivers life-changing support—if claimants know how to navigate its complex system…
By WSAM Reporter
The Road Accident Fund (RAF) has been the subject of intense public criticism in recent months, with headlines highlighting unpaid claims, major administrative backlogs and the suspension of senior executives.
For many South Africans, the negative reporting has cemented a belief that the Fund has all but collapsed.
But, according to Eugene Beck, non-executive chairman and original founder of RoadCover, the dominant narrative leaves out a critical truth: despite its shortcomings, the RAF continues to help thousands of ordinary South Africans rebuild their lives after road accidents—provided they know how to navigate the system.
South Africa remains one of the world’s most dangerous countries for road users. The recently released 2025 Status Report on Road Safety shows that the country records 24.5 road deaths per 100 000 people, nearly four times the global average of 6.3 per 100 000. During the 2024–2025 festive season alone, 1 502 people lost their lives on the roads.
“Given the state of our roads and reckless driving, even the most vigilant motorist is at risk,” Beck notes. “This is why the RAF is more important now than ever.”
The RAF paid out R45.6 billion in claims during the 2023–2024 financial year, covering physical and psychological injuries, funeral expenses, loss of income, and loss of support for families who lose breadwinners.
For many South Africans, the challenge is not whether the RAF pays—rather, it is how to get paid.
Motorists who attempt to lodge claims on their own often face long delays, complex paperwork, costly medical assessments and expensive legal processes. Claimants frequently report feeling overwhelmed, especially while recovering from trauma.
“It’s not that the RAF doesn’t deliver,” Beck argues. “It’s that the system is not user-friendly for the average person dealing with the aftermath of an accident.”
Entities that specialise in RAF claims have developed expertise and networks that streamline the process. They ensure that documentation is complete, deadlines are met, and claimants receive the compensation they legally deserve.
However, Beck warns that not all service providers are equal.
Many law firms operate on a contingency fee model—taking up to 25% of the claimant’s RAF payout, in addition to legal fees and disbursements. This often leaves accident victims with significantly reduced settlements.
“The best protection,” Beck says, “is working with a partner who charges a small monthly membership fee and takes no portion of the payout. That way, the entire settlement goes directly to the victim and their family.”
Restoring Public Confidence
While public trust in the RAF is at a low point, Beck insists that the Fund remains a vital social safety net that cannot be written off as yet another failing state-owned entity.
“The RAF has helped hundreds of thousands of South Africans recover physically, emotionally and financially,” he says. “It continues to play a critical role in protecting families from the devastation of life-changing accidents.”
With knowledgeable support and the right guidance, Beck believes more South Africans can access the compensation they are entitled to—keeping the RAF functioning as the essential safety net it was designed to be.
