The Standing Committee on Public Accounts (SCOPA) has raised serious concerns about the Road Accident Fund’s (RAF) decision to sue the Auditor-General of South Africa.
Members of Parliament say the move could undermine lawful financial oversight.
The scrutiny follows the first week of SCOPA’s hearings, held from 6 to 10 October 2025.
The inquiry focuses on the RAF’s governance and financial management.
The RAF, National Treasury, the Department of Transport, the Accounting Standards Board, the Auditor-General, and the Special Investigating Unit briefed the committee.
RAF LAWSUIT AGAINST AUDITOR-GENERAL UNDER SCRUTINY
The Members of Parliament focused on the RAF’s ongoing court bid to force the Auditor-General to use a different accounting standard during audits.
The Accounting Standards Board has not approved the standard the RAF wants, and the Public Finance Management Act (PFMA) does not allow the Auditor-General to change audit standards.
Despite this, the RAF is still pursuing legal action.
SCOPA has requested that the RAF board clarify why it approved the lawsuit and the legal grounds for the decision.
BROADER CONCERNS OVER GOVERNANCE AT RAF
The RAF lawsuit against the Auditor-General is one of several red flags for the committee.
SCOPA is also investigating why the RAF has reduced the number of claims it records and processes.
This change is based on the RAF’s interpretation of the Road Accident Fund Act of 1996.
The courts have ruled the interpretation unlawful.
SCOPA chairperson Songezo Zibi said the evidence presented so far will guide further questioning in the coming weeks.
This week, the committee will focus on the procurement and financial management within the RAF.
