Below are the processes involved in the RAF claim. Remember that on average, it takes three to six years for the RAF to pay out a claim. Depending on the circumstances, it can take longer. Once the claim has been settled in court and the RAF is ordered to pay compensation, it may take months before you receive the funds.
The RAF Claims Process Explained in Simple Steps
Here we outline the steps and time frames involved in the RAF claims process, to make it clear what claimants should expect and why a single RAF claim can take years to finalise.
Evidence collection
The first step is to collect as much evidence as possible in support of your claim. Witness statements, medical and police reports and invoices and statements relating to your injuries are all essential bits of information that can add weight to a claim.
Lodging the claim
Once all the supporting documents are ready, it’s necessary to complete and submit the appropriate RAF claim forms. Once the claim has been submitted, it’s registered on the official RAF claim system.
RAF investigation
At this stage, the RAF has 120 days in which to investigate your claim. They may request additional information or require that you visit a doctor or specialist they appoint for an assessment of your injuries.
In practice, the RAF seldom offers a settlement or resolves a claim within the allotted period. As a result, it can take weeks or even months longer for a case to progress to the next step.
Summons to trial
If you haven’t received a settlement offer once the 120-day period has elapsed, your attorney may issue the RAF with a summons stating that you’re pursuing the matter in court. The RAF is then compelled to make an offer or defend its decision in court.
Upon reaching this step of the process, you’ll want an experienced personal injury lawyer in your corner. If the case does go to trial, you’ll need expert medical testimony to back up your claim. A good lawyer specialising in RAF claims will have access to the right experts, as well as the appropriate legal know-how and experience.
Setting a trial date
Once it’s clear that the matter is to be pursued in court, a trial date must be set. This can be very time-consuming, potentially taking many months. In South Africa, each division of the High Court has different pre-trial procedures to be complied with before a matter will be considered “trial ready”. Only then will a trial date be allocated.
Sometimes, it may be necessary to secure multiple trial dates – for example, if you have to go to court first to establish the liability or negligence aspect of a claim and thereafter the amount of compensation due.
What usually happens at this point is that the two parties – aided by medical and legal experts – try to negotiate the best possible settlement out of court.
If a settlement can’t be reached, the trial takes place and the claim is finalised. The trial itself may be drawn out, depending on the availability of key experts.
Settlement and payment
Because the RAF is currently facing cash flow problems, it may take time – in some cases, as long as 180 days – after settlement of your claim for the RAF to pay you the awarded amount. However, your attorney will assist you in holding the RAF liable for interest on any late payments.
Overview of Public Universities in South Africa
Here's an overview of some public universities in South Africa, including general admissions requirements and estimated application periods. Keep in mind, specific program requirements and dates can vary significantly, so it's important to check each university's official website for the most current information.
University of Pretoria
- Admissions Requirements: National Senior Certificate with minimum scores in specific subjects related to the chosen program; for international students, equivalent qualifications.
- Application Period: Usually opens in March and closes at the end of July for most programs.
University of Cape Town
- Admissions Requirements: National Senior Certificate with pass levels required for degree study; subject-specific requirements depending on the program.
- Application Period: Application opens in April and closes at the end of July.
Stellenbosch University
- Admissions Requirements: National Senior Certificate with required marks; some programs have additional testing.
- Application Period: Opens in March and typically closes at the end of June.
University of the Witwatersrand
- Admissions Requirements: Matriculation certificate with university exemption; required scores vary by faculty.
- Application Period: Begins in March and ends on the 30th of September.
University of Johannesburg
- Admissions Requirements: Matric exemption with a minimum APS score; specific subject requirements based on the faculty.
- Application Period: Opens in April and generally closes by the 30th of September.
University of the Free State
- Admissions Requirements: National Senior Certificate with specific marks for the program applied to; additional requirements for certain courses.
- Application Period: Typically opens in April and closes at the end of August.
University of Venda
- Admissions Requirements: Completion of the National Senior Certificate with an endorsement for diploma or degree studies; specific APS scores needed.
- Application Period: Usually from May to September.
University of Fort Hare
- Admissions Requirements: National Senior Certificate with university exemption; certain programs may have specific requirements.
- Application Period: Opens around May and closes at the end of September.
University of the Western Cape
- Admissions Requirements: National Senior Certificate with specific performance levels; additional requirements for certain programs.
- Application Period: Generally from May to September.
North-West University
- Admissions Requirements: National Senior Certificate with university exemption; program-specific requirements may apply.
- Application Period: Opens in March and usually closes by the end of August.
Rhodes University
- Admissions Requirements: National Senior Certificate or equivalent; minimum academic performance in certain subjects.
- Application Period: Applications open in April and close at the end of September.
Nelson Mandela University
- Admissions Requirements: National Senior Certificate with required scores for chosen programs; portfolio or additional tests for some faculties.
- Application Period: Opens in April, with a deadline at the end of August for most programs.
Cape Peninsula University of Technology
- Admissions Requirements: National Senior Certificate with specific scores; additional requirements for certain courses.
- Application Period: Opens in May and typically closes by the end of September.
University of Limpopo
- Admissions Requirements: Senior Certificate with endorsement for diploma or degree courses; specific APS scores for different programs.
- Application Period: From April to September.
University of Zululand
- Admissions Requirements: National Senior Certificate with an endorsement for bachelor’s degree studies; specific score requirements for various programs.
- Application Period: Usually between April and November.
Central University of Technology
- Admissions Requirements: National Senior Certificate with specific scores for the chosen field of study; additional criteria for certain programs.
- Application Period: Application period generally starts in May and ends in October.
Vaal University of Technology
- Admissions Requirements: National Senior Certificate with a pass that qualifies for admission to bachelor’s degree, diploma, or higher certificate programs.
- Application Period: Typically from May to September.
Walter Sisulu University
- Admissions Requirements: National Senior Certificate with required scores for chosen programs; additional criteria for certain faculties.
- Application Period: From April to September.
This list provides a starting point for understanding the admissions landscape across South Africa's diverse higher education institutions. Given the variability in programs and requirements, it's crucial to consult each university's website for the most accurate and up-to-date information.
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