Pretoria: The Minister of Transport, Barbara Creecy, has announced the appointment of an Interim Board for the Road Accident Fund (RAF) for a period of six months, or until a new board is appointed, whichever comes first. The board was dissolved last month due to persistent governance and operational challenges that hindered the fund’s ability to fulfill its statutory mandate.
According to South African Government News Agency, the previous board was dissolved on 15 July 2025, due to its failure to act in the best interests of the entity and fulfill its fiduciary duties. Minister Creecy emphasized the urgency of closing the governance gap within the RAF leadership, which led to the Cabinet’s approval of the Interim Board. The new board will provide strategic direction to the entity, ensuring financial and governance stability.
The RAF is tasked with providing appropriate cover to all road users within South Africa, rehabilitating and compensating those injured by motor vehicles, and promoting the safe use of roads. The Interim Board is expected to address deficiencies in governance and control systems and initiate the process of filling critical executive positions. They will also cooperate with current and future Special Investigating Unit (SIU) investigations.
Minister Creecy further stated that the Ministry has established a panel of independent experts to advise on developing a sustainable operational and governance model for the RAF. The Department of Transport plans to enhance the RAF’s capacity to fulfill its obligations by finalizing the Road Accident Benefit Scheme Bill. This bill aims to introduce a no-fault comprehensive social security scheme for expanded access to benefits for all road users.
The interim board is chaired by Kenneth Brown, with Nonhlanhla Mabusela-Aikhuere as Vice-Chairperson. Other members include Ntswaki Kutumela, Innocentia Mmule Pule, Richard Dyantyi, Mpontshane Alfred Mkhipheni, Alfredina (Ntina) Themba, and Neeshan Balton.
In related news, the Cabinet has approved the appointment of the Board of Directors for South African Airways (SAA), chaired by Sedzani Faith Mudau, a Chartered Accountant and former SAA employee. The Deputy Chairperson is Fathima Gany, with other members including Theunis Potgieter, Mongezi India, Dennis Dlomo, and others.
This new board will focus on stabilizing SAA’s operating model following a return to profitability over the last two years. The board aims to improve governance processes and ensure financial independence. Minister Creecy thanked the outgoing interim Board for their role in leading SAA to stability and expressed confidence in the new board’s ability to expand the fleet and maintain profitability.