3 July 2025

The African National Congress (ANC) Study Group on the Standing Committee on Public Accounts (SCOPA) fully supports the committee’s decision to launch an oversight inquiry into allegations of, amongst others; maladministration, governance failures, excessive legal and litigation costs, financial impropriety, and misuse of public funds at the Road Accident Fund (RAF).

This decision, taken by the SCOPA on 24 June 2025 and followed by the adoption of the Terms of Reference on 01 July 2025, marks a significant step toward promoting clean governance, accountability, and the responsible management of public resources.

It is worth noting that Parliament has a strong track record of conducting inquiries into allegations of maladministration and financial mismanagement in public entities. Some notable examples include SCOPA’s previous investigation into the Department of Correctional Services’ irregular Bosasa contract in 2009, the Portfolio Committee on Public Enterprises’ inquiry into governance failures at Eskom in 2017, and SCOPA’s probe into the Passenger Rail Agency of South Africa (PRASA) in 2015.

The ANC Study Group commends SCOPA for its decisive action to ensure that the RAF adheres to principles of good governance and financial accountability. Further noting that this inquiry aligns with the ANC’s 55th National Conference resolutions, which emphasized strengthening oversight mechanisms, combating corruption, and ensuring efficient and transparent service delivery by public institutions.

As President Cyril Ramaphosa stated during the State of the Nation Address earlier this year, “We must safeguard the public purse and ensure that every rand is spent wisely and for the benefit of our people.” This inquiry is a direct response to that clarion call and reflects Parliament’s constitutional duty to hold public entities accountable.

The Oversight Inquiry into the RAF is both timely and necessary, given the RAF’s adverse audit opinion as concluded by the Auditor-General (SA) and ongoing financial challenges, including liabilities exceeding assets by R25.55 billion. The ANC Study Group urges the RAF Board, Management, and all relevant stakeholders to fully cooperate with SCOPA’s inquiry. Public entities must no longer evade scrutiny and rigorous parliamentary oversight.

The ANC reaffirms its commitment to accountability, transparency, and good governance. We remain dedicated to building a capable, ethical, and developmental state. Finally, the ANC Study Group expresses its unwavering support for SCOPA and Parliament’s efforts to protect the public purse and ensure that public funds are managed responsibly for the benefit of all South Africans.

Issued by: Whip of the ANC Study Group on Standing Committee on Public Accounts (SCOPA) Cde Gijimani Skosana (MP)

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