RAF had R1.2 BILLION of duplicate PAYMENTS to lawyers | Collins Letsoalo - RAF CEO | PART 1

The RAF CEO, Collins Letsoalo, discusses the R1.2 billion in duplicate payments to lawyers, inequities in compensation for public passengers, and systemic issues within the legal profession.

[00:00]The CEO of the Road Accident Fund reveals 1.2 billion worth of duplicate payments to lawyers.-
Lawyers were charging five times more than medical aids for photocopies.
Public passengers and taxi commuters had a limit of 25,000.
The CEO stands firm on allegations against the legal fraternity.

[18:28] The CEO discusses the inequity in the compensation system for public passengers in South Africa. The majority of South Africans, who don't own cars, are limited to claiming only 25,000 in compensation.
The speaker questions the fairness of wealthier individuals being able to claim more than those in need.
Public passenger liability insurance was introduced in 2008 to insure passengers in public vehicles.
Before 2008, public passengers were limited to claiming 25,000 until the restriction was removed.

[36:56] The CEO discusses the need for the Road Accident Fund to reduce administrative costs and avoid unnecessary litigation.- Emphasizes the importance of directing funds towards claimants rather than administrative expenses.
Questions the necessity of litigation when most claims are settled out of court.
Raises concerns about potential corruption within the legal system, citing examples of judges involved in unethical practices.

[55:25 Discussion about making upfront payments and practical examples of payments in the context of investigations and agreements.- Mention of making upfront payments to get by initially.
Explanation of practical examples of payments over 20-40 years.
Reference to a provision (possibly section 174) allowing instalment payments for loss of support or earnings.
Issue with lawyers wanting full payment upfront, impacting the time taken for claim payouts.

[01:13:55] Delay in processing claims at RAF due to lawyers taking their time, resulting in valid claims being delayed by 60 days.-
Lawyers sometimes delay processing claims by putting paperwork on a shelf for up to 3 years.
Once the paperwork is finally processed and sent if it arrives 60 days after the incident, the claim is considered valid.
RAF aims to address backlog claims efficiently by introducing preassessment for incomplete submissions.


[01:32:21] Discussion about implementing administrative decisions until reviewed and set aside in law.-
Explanation of not cancelling a panel but stating it was not needed anymore.
Reference to being taken to court by panel members under section 34 of the Constitution.
Accusations made and the aim to keep the issue ongoing discussed.


[01:50:53] Discussion about discrepancies in judgment and suspicions of foul play.- Discrepancy noted in page numbers and content of the judgment.
Lawyers express concerns and seek to amend the order through Rule 42.
The judge denies live appeal and lawyers apply for a variation of the order.

[02:09:22] The CEO discusses receiving emails on private matters, legal issues, and concerns about judgments being sent to journalists.- The CEO expresses concern about private matters being sent to his private email.
Discussion about typos in judgments and Zelda Fender knowing before him.
Questioning the benefit of judges sending judgments to journalists.
CEO facing accusations of contempt and personal court orders.