MEMBERS of Parliament (MPs) are demanding answers regarding the persistent delays by the Sincephetelo Motor Vehicle Accidents (MVA) Fund in paying compensation to road accident victims.
This is contained in today’s order paper, as part of the motions that will be debated by members of the House of Assembly. The motion is expected to be moved by Zombodze Emuva MP Ntando Mkhonta, who is also a member of the Public Accounts Committee (PAC). He will be seconded by Phondo MP Bonginkhosi Dube.
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Mkhonta is expected to call on the Minister for Finance Neal Rijkenberg to table a detailed report before the House within seven days on the continued delays by MVA Fund in paying compensation to road accident victims.
The motion highlights the growing concern over the long waiting periods that accident victims face when claiming compensation, suggesting that the delays have caused serious financial and emotional strain for affected families.
According to the motion, the minister is expected to present a comprehensive update on the current financial status of MVA, including the average processing and payment timelines for claims.
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Mkhonta has also requested Rijkenberg to outline any reforms or corrective measures being undertaken by the ministry to speed up disbursements, improve transparency, and restore public confidence in the fund.
The report, according to the MPs, should further indicate the support mechanisms and communication channels available to assist claimants in tracking their claims and receiving timely updates.
The parliamentarians noted that many victims relied on MVA Fund pay-outs to cover medical expenses and sustain their livelihoods, and that these delays had placed an additional burden on already vulnerable citizens.
If adopted, the motion would require Minister Rijkenberg to table the report within a week, ensuring that parliament could take appropriate action to improve the system and ensure accountability within the MVA Fund.
Around April, the minister tabled the Motor Vehicle Accidents Fund Bill 2025 in parliament. This Bill seeks to review the Motor Vehicle Accidents Act No.13 of 1991 to align it with legal developments and other legislations, while also extending the mandate of the fund and addressing disparities between categories of claimants.
Meanwhile, according to information sourced from the MVA website, the fund’s pay-outs cover medical, rehabilitation, and funeral expenses, as well as loss of income and support for dependents in cases of death.
The MVA Fund Bill of 2025 is expected to potentially raise the pay-out limits for victims and dependents, as the current compensation structure under the 1991 Act has long been viewed as inadequate for many.
The website also explains that the fund is involved in the claims process from the moment of accident occurrence, through a partnership with the Emergency Preparedness and Response (EPR).
Their case management team reportedly visits accident survivors at hospital beds upon notification of the incident to assist patients in lodging a claim and initiating the treatment and rehabilitation process.
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