1. ROAD ACCIDENT FUND AMENDMENT BILL 2003

2. TABLE OF CONTENTS Purpose / Objects Background Structure of Bill Consultation

3. PURPOSE/OBJECTS To Bill provides for amendments that limits the liability of the Fund by –Regulating the amounts of claims, e.g. cost of hospitalisation and claims of non – residents –Introducing cheaper ways of reaching agreement on the amount to be paid by Fund –Exclusion of claims related to emotional shock suffered by a bystander

4. BACKGROUND For years the Road Accident Fund has had cash – flow problems that threatens its survival.

5. The collapse of the Fund is not acceptable to all, as it shall leave the majority of the citizens without any cover when injured in a road accident

6. The Bill seeks to amend the Road Accident Fund Act in various respects. The amendments shall improve the efficiency of the Fund.

7. STRUCTURE OF THE BILL The Bill has 8 clauses – the important clauses are discussed hereunder

8. CLAUSE 1 Makes it obligatory for Fund to make payment of benefits in instalments.

9. Clause 2 sub – clause 17A Fund to pay for hospital & treatment costs according to prescribed tariff.

10. Clause 2 (cont..) sub – clause 17B Fund to take into account benefits received from other sources when determining benefits payable.

11. Clause 3 To amend section 18 c laimants who are residents and the non – residents to receive the same advantages.

12. Clause 4 To amend section 19 to exclude claims by a bystander who suffered as a result of emotional shock

13. Clause 5 To amend section 24:- to oblige claimant to exhaust a prescribed process which will include mediation and arbitration.

14. Clause 6 provides for payments in instalments, mediation and arbitration proceedings to take effect when this Bill becomes law

15. CONSULTATION The Bill was released for comment –in five national newspapers, and –the Fund's Internet site. national conference or symposium attended by amongst others:-

16. attorneys' and advocates' professions commuters and other road users consumers and the disabled academics; road safety bodies traffic authorities national and provincial govt. depts and bodies

17. Verbal and written comments and inputs were received from many people and institutions, and these were considered.

18. THANK YOU »THANKS TO YOU ALL