RAF office now in Polokwane

THE Road Accident Fund (RAF) opened offices in Polokwane last Thursday and this, according to chief executive officer Eugene Watson, was part of the agency’s mission to be accessible in all nine provinces.

Located in the Koos Smit Building at 24 Grobler Street, the RAF will increase access and visibility of the services rendered and also improve the claims process turn-around period, he said.

“As a public entity, it is our duty to serve and we cannot serve if we are far away from local communities. We aim to compensate, provide financial support, medical assistance and cover funeral costs to families affected by road accidents,” said Watson.

He said the Polokwane office was just one of the four offices launched in the RAF’s major initiative to expand its geographical footprint, and this launch was proof that the agency could create an office with a complete, functional and equipped staff in less than six months.

According to Watson, 5% of South Africa’s gross domestic products go towards the agency and half of all accident funerals were funded by them.

Representing Mankweng Hospital, Piet Makoela said the opening of the Polokwane office was long overdue. “We are expecting to benefit from these offices because now we do not have to travel too far to access the services.”

Roads and transport general manager of corporate services, Ngoako Mangena, said the public would have easy access to the services offered by the agency.