Former Road Accident Fund (RAF) board members have launched strong criticism against Transport Minister Barbara Creecy, accusing her of hostile interference during her tenure as the fund’s executive authority.
Appearing before Parliament’s Standing Committee on Public Accounts (SCOPA) on Wednesday, the former chairpersons alleged that Creecy never met with the board after assuming office in June 2024, before disbanding it just over a year later in July 2025.
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They told MPs that their working relationship with Creecy was markedly different from that of previous ministers, describing it as strained and unproductive during a critical period for the embattled fund.
Allegations of ministerial interference at the Road Accident Fund
SCOPA is nearing the end of its investigation into allegations of maladministration at the RAF. Former chairperson Zanele Francois testified that instead of engaging directly with the board, Creecy relied on frequent written directives.
“That brought and created a hostile environment that led to an unsettled environment for us as the board, and we were not able to execute our mandate independently and objectively as we are supposed to,” Francois said.
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Her account was supported by former deputy chairperson Nomonde Mabuya-Moloele, who questioned why the minister did not prioritise engagement with the RAF board while meeting other entities under the Department of Transport.
“What happened is we get a litany of letters. More than 12 or 15 letters, instructing us, interfering in our decision-making process. So that was a hostile environment,” Mabuya-Moloele said.
Criticism extends to deputy minister’s conduct
Francois also criticised Deputy Transport Minister Mkhuleko Hlengwa, who had been delegated responsibility for RAF matters, accusing him of using language she described as destabilising.
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“Even the deputy minister, the way he would engage with the board, he used very hostile language, which was very destabilising for us as a board,” she said.
Former board member Moses Nyama told the committee that he had intended to resign even before the board was dissolved, citing a lack of support from the minister. Nyama had served on the board since 2018.
Minister Creecy is expected to appear before the SCOPA inquiry next week to respond to the allegations.
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