Road Accident Fund sets out to clear R20 billion in outstanding claims
The Road Accident Fund (RAF) Board has announced comprehensive measures aimed at expediting the payment of all outstanding claims.
Following a series of fruitful meetings with various stakeholders, including legal representatives and service providers, the Board is taking definitive steps to restore faith in the claims process while implementing a sustainable management system to prevent future backlogs.
The urgency of the situation has prompted the RAF to initiate payments for claims that have been pending for more than 180 days, with the total value of these claims exceeding an astonishing R20 billion.
Recent progress highlights include a meticulous review of all claims outstanding for over 180 days. The Board has prioritised settlements based on this review, facilitating the commencement of payments.
In just two weeks, the RAF has disbursed R3.3 billion and anticipates further monthly payments exceeding R4 billion throughout the year as part of its restructured business model. This consistent flow of payments is expected to significantly alleviate the claims backlog in the coming months.
“Our team has taken extensive measures to ensure that supportive documentation is reviewed promptly to mitigate any further administrative delays,” stated a Board representative.
Enhanced monitoring systems have also been established to track both disbursed and outstanding claims, ensuring compliance, accountability, and transparency across all facets of the Fund’s operations.
Looking ahead, the RAF will issue bi-monthly reports to Plaintiff Attorneys and all other suppliers, which will be publicly accessible. These reports will detail the amounts disbursed and the progress in clearing outstanding claims, reinforcing the Fund’s commitment to transparency in its operations.
The Board understands that there may still be disputes and uncertainties regarding some claims, particularly non-compliant ones. To address these concerns, protocols have been instituted to resolve such matters efficiently.
Contact details for specific Regional Managers have been communicated to all Plaintiff Attorneys and Suppliers to facilitate the resolution of outstanding issues.
Amidst these significant strides, the RAF Board expresses its gratitude to all stakeholders for their support and collaborative spirit.
This collective effort is crucial in restoring order and credibility to the Fund’s operations.
They have also acknowledged the commitment of its staff, whose dedication to this cause remains paramount.
In recognition of the financial and emotional toll that delays have inflicted on claimants and their families, the Board reiterates its commitment to address these issues with the utmost urgency and transparency.
Moving forward, the RAF aims to ensure that these changes not only resolve present challenges but also establish a reliable claim management system for the future.
IOL