The Road Accident Fund (RAF) of South Africa has incurred legal expenses totaling approximately R12.83 million related to seven disciplinary cases involving suspended employees. At the same time, 16 suspended executives have received nearly R30 million in salaries during this period, according to reports.
Disciplinary Cases and Allegations
According to Collen Msibi, spokesperson for the transport department, the fund is currently addressing misconduct allegations against 16 employees. These allegations encompass gross negligence, serious financial misconduct, failure to perform official duties, dishonesty, harassment, witness intimidation, and soliciting bribes.
Msibi noted that nine of these cases are underway at the disciplinary hearing stage while six remain under forensic investigation. Additionally, one case was terminated following the resignation of the involved employee. Msibi emphasized that these allegations are not to be treated as confirmed facts until the necessary procedures are fully concluded.
Among those suspended are Bernice Potgieter, chief financial officer; Phathu Lukhwareni, chief operating officer; Mampe Kumalo, governance executive; and Mpho Manyashe, head of the CEO’s office. Some employees have reportedly been on full pay during their nearly two-year suspensions.
Concerns Over Spending
Alan Beesley, a member of parliament for ActionSA and a member of the Standing Committee on Public Accounts, criticized the RAF’s spending amidst ongoing financial challenges for the fund. He pointed out that there are over 37,622 valid claims totaling R21.76 billion that remain unpaid.
In response to funding shortfalls, the RAF has requested the National Treasury to consider increasing the fuel levy to R3 per litre. Msibi stated that the precautionary suspensions and investigations are necessary to maintain the integrity of the proceedings and ensure due process is followed.
As the disciplinary hearings and investigations progress, further developments are expected in the ongoing cases involving RAF employees.
