SMVAF’s E0.6 billion for…a pro-active journey of care, commitment and transformation

The Sincephetelo Motor Vehicle Accident Fund (SMVAF) has paid out a staggering E600,000,000 to victims of road crashes in the last five years, transforming the lives of thousands of emaSwati who found themselves in life-altering situations. These funds have intervened in countless lives, underscoring SMVAF’s dedication to compensating survivors of road crashes, providing holistic care, and fostering road safety across Eswatini. This achievement reflects the Fund’s commitment to ensuring that those affected by road crashes are not only compensated as per the dictates of legislations but supported in rebuilding their lives.

The achievement is set against the backdrop of a significant 137% increase in severe cases from 2022 to 2024, with overall case volumes rising across all severity levels. This surge is largely attributed to improved case reporting and a growing demand for intensive care, rehabilitation, and specialist referrals. As a result, the rise in severe cases has led to an increased need for medical equipment and consumables to meet the escalating healthcare demands. The SMVAF was established under the Motor Vehicle Accidents Act of 1991, to compensate victims of road accidents – who have suffered bodily injuries or loss of support following the death of breadwinners without having to have recourse to third-party insurance. One of the defining features of SMVAF’s approach is its Seamless Sincephetelo Strategy 2020/24, to address the growing need for a more proactive model of care.

This strategy shifted the focus from reactive interventions to the pro-active business model. Survivors of road crashes have since reported several positive aspects of the proactive model, including timely medical interventions, effective treatments, and proactive claim lodgement. SMVAF now actively identifies accident victims in hospitals, assists them in lodging claims, and works to expedite payments. “We no longer wait for people who are involved in road crashes to come to us. We meet them where they are, ensuring no one falls through the cracks, even in the most remote parts of the country,” said David Myeni, the CEO of SMVAF. “As part of our Seamless Strategy journey, our team of professionals, including medical personnel, would go to hospitals to identify potential claimants, assesses their needs and condition, helps them lodge claims, and ensures they are compensated correctly and timeously.” “We are now taking a step further to e m p o w e r claimants to take charge of their treatment and rehabilitation journey, while continuing to support them as per claim limits and the SMVAF Act,” he said.

The SMVAF’s proactive approach facilitated early intervention, minimising delays that often lead to complications. New case registrations increased by 19%, highlighting the effectiveness of this early intervention. Additionally, the number of discharged cases, following treatment, rehabilitation, or maximum medical improvement, rose by 21%, reflecting faster recovery and fewer complications. This proactive model has been guided by Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs), ensuring road crash victims are attended to promptly and comprehensively. SMVAF’s support does not stop at compensation.

The Fund also provides home visits by nurses to ensure road crash survivors recover well. Social assistance such as food parcels, medical follow-ups, and assistance with adapting to life-altering injuries are all part of the holistic care the Fund offers. “Some of our clients lose everything after an accident. We meet them halfway, helping them regain some normalcy in their lives,” said Sam Mzileni, the Corporate Services Executive of SMVAF. The impact of this approach is reflected in stories like that of Sipho Dlamini, a road crash survivor who credits SMVAF with turning his life around. “I thought my life was over. But SMVAF helped me get medical care and even supported me with groceries while I recovered,” he said. Similarly, other survivors have praised the Fund for providing transportation to medical appointments and facilitating quicker access to rehabilitation services. For some clients left paraplegic after road accidents, SMVAF often steps in through its Corporate Social Investment (CSI) programme to assist with home modifications.

Many accident survivors face challenges adapting their homes to suit their new needs but claim limits frequently do not cover such extensive changes. Through the CSI programme, SMVAF has made exceptional contributions, ensuring homes are accessible and disability friendly. “MVA did not just help me with compensation following the road crash; they ensured my home was modified so I could move around easily after my accident. They adjusted my bathroom, bedroom, and entrance, making my daily life much easier,” said Sizwe Mamba, a beneficiary. “SMVAF puts a human touch to its operations, and that is commendable. They saw beyond the paperwork and understood my struggles. Other organisations could learn a lot from them.”