Our Blog
What's new?

How to Choose the Best Personal Injury Attorneys in South Africa After a Serious Accident
If you’ve been in an accident, it’s important to know how to choose the best personal injury attorneys in South Africa. It’s frightening to think that South Africa’s road fatalities can be as high as 40 road-related deaths per day. A serious accident can turn life upside down in a matter of seconds. One moment you’re focused on work, family and everyday responsibilities. Next, you’re dealing with injuries, medical appointments and uncertainty about what comes next. For many people, finding legal help is unfamiliar territory. They may never have had to deal with a Road Accident Fund claim or speak to an attorney before. Questions often come quickly. Do I need a lawyer? How do I know who to trust? What should I look for? The good news is that you don’t need to become a legal expert overnight. Understanding a few important principles can help you make an informed

Is a Bicycle a Vehicle in South Africa? What Cyclists Need to Know About RAF Claims
Is a bicycle a vehicle in South Africa? The answer depends on the law you are referring to. For general road use, a bicycle is treated as a form of transport, and cyclists have rights and responsibilities on South African roads. For purposes of a Road Accident Fund claim, the more important question is whether a bicycle qualifies as a motor vehicle under the Road Accident Fund Act. This distinction matters because the RAF does not compensate people for every accident that happens on a road. A valid RAF claim usually depends on whether the accident arose from the negligent driving of a motor vehicle. What does the RAF Act say? In terms of section 17(1) of the Road Accident Fund Act 56 of 1996, the Fund may be liable to compensate a third party for proven loss or damage suffered as a result of bodily injury or death caused

Touting in the Garden Route: What RAF Claimants Need to Know
Touting after a road accident can place injured people and their families at serious risk, especially when they are approached while still in shock, in hospital, or unsure of what to do next. If you have been injured in a motor vehicle accident in George, Knysna, Mossel Bay or anywhere along the Garden Route, it is important to know who you are speaking to before you sign anything or share personal information. RAF claims can be complex. This is why many accident victims look for help. Sadly, this is also where touting can become a problem. Quick Question: What Is Touting? Touting occurs when someone approaches an accident victim or their family to persuade them to use a particular lawyer, claims handler, or “RAF claim service”, often without proper authority, transparency, or registration with the Legal Practice Council (LPC). In plain terms, it may look like this: Someone approaches you

Financial Help While Awaiting a RAF Payout: What You Can Do Now
Quick Answer Financial help while awaiting a RAF payout is possible, but the right option depends on your situation. While your Road Accident Fund (RAF) claim is being processed, you may need help with medical costs, transport, household bills, or lost income. The best first step is to understand what support you can access now, what risks to avoid, and how to protect your claim while you wait. If you are struggling financially after an accident, focus on these steps: Get legal guidance on your RAF claim as early as possible Check whether any insurance benefits are available Keep records of all accident-related expenses Be careful with loans or cash advances that have unfair terms Get advice before signing any funding agreement You do not have to navigate this alone. The claim process can take time, but there are practical steps you can take now to reduce pressure and protect

RAF Updates: What Road Accident Fund Claimants Need to Know Right Now
RAF Updates matter if you have been injured in a road accident or if your family is depending on a claim for financial support. Right now, the Road Accident Fund is still under serious scrutiny, and that can affect how claims are handled, how quickly matters move, and what claimants should do to protect themselves. Key takeaways The RAF has been under a parliamentary oversight inquiry into its finances, governance, claims handling, and related decisions. As of February 2026, SCOPA stated that the inquiry had moved into its final phase, with a report expected to be finalised and tabled in the National Assembly. The RAF has for years pushed a strategy focused on settling claims earlier, reducing legal costs, and moving away from a heavily litigation-based system. For claimants, the big concern is practical: delays, changing processes, paperwork issues, and uncertainty can all make an already stressful recovery even harder.

The RAF claim procedure simplified in 8 steps
Understanding the RAF claim procedure shouldn’t be another burden for accident victims, yet the system remains notoriously difficult to navigate on one’s own. It can often be a very stressful and daunting process. If you consider that in the 2024/25 financial year, the Road Accident Fund (RAF) recorded 128,716 claims, this high number has put extra pressure on a system already dealing with backlogs and long waits, which is why clear guidance is more important than ever for victims. If you have been injured in a road accident, the process of getting compensation can feel confusing and emotionally exhausting. You might be recovering from injuries, handling medical bills, losing income, supporting your family, or still in shock from the accident. Some people also battle post-traumatic stress following an accident. When the system feels overwhelming, understanding the RAF claim procedure can be a lifeline for people trying to rebuild their lives.

The Rise of Unsolicited Touting Agents for RAF Claims
Touting agents for RAF Claims are wreaking havoc with desperate and vulnerable victims of road accidents in South Africa. Creating awareness is essential to bringing a stop to this practice. The background Finding the right lawyer to manage your RAF claim when you’ve been in a road accident can be overwhelming. If you’ve been injured, you’re probably left dealing with pain and injuries, emotional distress, and, of course, the financial strain that goes along with any type of accident or injury. Here in South Africa, the Road Accident Fund (RAF) was designed to provide compensation to victims of road accidents. Unfortunately, as time has gone by, the process of claiming has become complex and daunting, with payouts being caught in the system for months and even years in some cases. That’s why securing the right legal representation is crucial. Having a professional at your side will help you navigate the

Road Accident Fund Mismanagement: A National Scandal Bleeding South Africa Dry
The Road Accident Fund (RAF), a supposed lifeline for victims of road accidents in South Africa, has devolved into a national disgrace. Mismanagement, inefficiency, and alleged corruption have created a system that not only fails those it is meant to serve but actively inflicts more suffering on them. At Gert Nel Attorneys, we are witnessing firsthand the devastating impact of this systemic failure on a daily basis, and we are openly asking the question: “What will it take for the truth to be revealed and the system to be run as it should?” For anyone who may not be familiar with the RAF, it is a state-supported insurer that was established to provide compensation to the victims of road accidents, along with their families, that is funded through the fuel levy. The national fuel levy that funds the RAF that all road users pay is R2.18, which may not sound

RAF in financial difficulties, may not be able to pay claims – AG
Written by Koena Mashale | 11 March, 2025 | Sowentan Live The auditor-general (AG) has raised concerns that the Road Accident Fund (RAF) may not remain financially sustainable in the foreseeable future due to severe solvency challenges with liabilities exceeding assets. The AG said this might affect claim payments to road accident victims. This follows the AG’s audit report for the 2023/24 financial year, presented to the Standing Committee on Public Accounts (Scopa) in parliament on Tuesday. The report revealed that the RAF’s liabilities exceed its assets, with an accumulated deficit of R25.5bn, raising questions about its long-term sustainability. “A material uncertainty on going concern was reported as the entity has solvency challenges with liabilities exceeding assets…Solvency challenges may impact the ability of the entity to pay accident claims and fulfill its mandate. These factors are indicators that RAF has financial difficulties and may not be able to pay liabilities