RAF Payment Problems

RAF Payment Problems can also be referred to as Problems with Road Accident Fund (RAF) Claims.

RAF struggling financially

Back in 2015, a media statement declared that the RAF was in “dire financial straits”. Unfortunately, the situation has continued to deteriorate.

Currently, the RAF owes more than R17.2 billion in a backlog of unpaid claims.

RAF still settling claims – but legal assistance is key

Despite its on-going financial problems, the RAF is still compensating road accident victims. Find out more about some of the notable RAF claim payments made recently.

Increasingly though, it’s necessary to sue the RAF for failure to settle claims fairly and on time.

In fact, court rulings in plaintiffs’ favour are sometimes being made in the complete absence of RAF representatives. This is despite appropriate notice being given and the right processes being followed.

Delays in settlement of RAF claims

It commonly takes from two to five years for a RAF claim to come to trial and be finalised.

Even once an approved court order has been issued, expect delays.

In theory, the RAF pays approved claims within 180 days.

In practice, claimants are experiencing delays as long as a year.

What contributes to such long delays?

Abnormally long delays are due to the Fund’s on-going mismanagement and financial difficulties – along with an extra backlog caused by the 2020 lockdown.

The system used by the RAF to award compensation also adds to delays.

Under the current RAF policies, it’s necessary to determine the percentage of each driver’s liability for an accident before the RAF determines the compensation to award a claimant. This makes processing claims a lengthy process.

Another issue with the current RAF policy is that claims of R100,000 or less are paid out first. This means that those entitled to large settlements from the fund will have to wait the longest to be paid.

Sometimes this means that those who need the cover most are the last to get it.

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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