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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
How an important state-owned entity made R300 billion ‘disappear’
Written by Staff Writer | 11 March, 2025 | BusinessTech The Auditor General of South Africa has criticized the Road Accident Fund for its refusal to use approved accounting standards, delivering another adverse audit outcome for the 2023/24 financial year. Presenting its audit findings to the Standing Committee on Public Accounts (SCOPA) on Tuesday (11 March), the AGSA said the adverse outcome is the fourth in as many years for the RAF. This is tied directly to the RAF’s decision in 2019/20 to unilaterally change its accounting standard from the approved International Financial Reporting Standard 4 (IFRS 4) to the International Public Sector Accounting Standards 42 (IPSAS 42). This resulted in the RAF’s reported liabilities dropping significantly from the R327 billion reflected in the 2019/2020 financial year to only R34 billion in the 2020/2021 financial year – wiping R293 billion in liabilities off the books. IFRS 4 is the accounting standard
Personal Injury and Third-Party Claims
Personal Injury and third-party claims can be daunting, not only because sustaining a personal injury is an unforeseen event and can be a life-changing experience. Whether the injury results from a vehicle accident, a slip and fall, or some other event, the road to recovery can be overwhelming and filled with unexpected challenges. One avenue available to injured parties is the concept of third-party claims. Understanding this process can help you navigate your situation more effectively and get you the compensation you deserve. What are personal injury claims? A personal injury claim arises when an individual suffers harm due to another person’s negligence or intentional act. This could range from minor injuries to severe, life-altering conditions. The essence of personal injury law is based on the principle that those who cause harm should be held responsible for their actions. Common types of personal injury claims include: Motor vehicle accidents: Injuries
When is RAF Bridging Finance a Good Idea?
“When is RAF bridging Finance a good idea?” is a question we often get asked at Gert Nel Inc Attorneys. In the aftermath of a road accident, individuals often face not only physical and emotional distress but also financial strain. The Road Accident Fund (RAF) compensates those affected by road accidents. However, claiming from the RAF can be a lengthy and cumbersome process, leaving victims in financial limbo. This is where Road Accident Fund Bridging Finance comes into play, offering a financial lifeline to those awaiting settlement. In this blog, we explore whether selecting RAF Bridging Finance is a good decision, emphasising that while it can be beneficial, it’s not a one-size-fits-all solution. Understanding Road Accident Fund Bridging Finance RAF Bridging Finance is designed to provide immediate financial relief to individuals awaiting compensation from the Road Accident Fund. These bridging loans offer a portion of the expected settlement in advance,
Knowing What to do After a Personal Injury
Due to the unexpected nature of personal injury, one may be too overwhelmed to know what to do after a personal injury. You may find yourself in a challenging and overwhelming situation and can incur unexpected expenses. It’s crucial to take specific steps to protect your well-being and ensure you’re taking the necessary actions to address the problem correctly. Here is a general guide on what steps to consider after a personal injury: Seek Medical Attention The first and most important step is to seek immediate medical attention. Your health is the top priority. Even if the injury seems minor, it’s essential to consult with a healthcare professional to assess the extent of your injuries and receive proper treatment. Report the Incident If the injury occurred in a public place, at work, or in any other location where there may be liability, report the incident to the appropriate authority. This
The Road Accident Fund (RAF) Amendment Bill 2023: A Look into Proposed Changes and Potential Impact
The Road Accident Fund (RAF) has long been a subject of scrutiny and criticism in South Africa. Time and again, it has faced challenges in fulfilling its responsibilities to those affected by road accidents. Now, in light of these issues, the Department of Transport introduced the draft RAF Amendment Bill, 2023. A Brief Overview The draft bill, made public in August 2023, aims to alter the RAF’s future operations. The public has less than a month to add their voice to these amendments. What are the significant amendments? Overall, the draft suggests moving away from the current system, which compensates victims based on the actual damages suffered to a “structured benefit” structure. The amendment Bill represents a watered-down version of the RABS Bill which was rejected in its entirety in August 2017. 1. Structured Benefits Over Compensation Instead of compensating for actual damages, the RAF would cater for a structured
The Top 5 Most Common Personal Injury Accidents and How to Avoid Them
Accidents happen, but some are more serious than others. Personal injury accidents can have long-term physical, emotional, and financial consequences. Fortunately, many accidents can be prevented by taking simple precautions. This blog post lists the top 5 most common personal injury accidents and how to avoid them. Slip and Fall Accidents Slip and fall accidents are one of the most common causes of personal injury. These accidents can occur on wet floors, uneven surfaces, and stairs. Always be aware of your surroundings and wear slip-resistant shoes to avoid slip and fall accidents. Use handrails when available, and avoid rushing or running on slippery surfaces. If you notice a wet floor, report it to the appropriate person so that it can be cleaned up promptly. Car Accidents Car accidents are another common cause of personal injury. To avoid car accidents, always wear your seatbelt, obey traffic laws, and avoid distracted driving