Chairperson, Ministers, comrades and hon members, as the ANC we support the appropriation of an additional amount of R2,7 billion which will enable the Road Accident Fund to meet its liabilities for the period 2005-06.
In addition, this appropriation clearly indicates the caring nature of our government. The Road Accident Fund provides compensation to victims of motor-vehicle accidents for injuries, loss of income and loss of financial support. Without this appropriation many victims would be adversely affected and would not receive the much-needed compensation provided for by the Road Accident Fund.
We are mindful that this is not a permanent solution to the challenges facing the Road Accident Fund and we urge the Minister of Transport, together with the national Department of Transport and the Road Accident Fund, to ensure that the necessary measures needed for the Road Accident Fund to operate in a sound manner are introduced.
Amongst other things, attention will need to be given to minimising the cost of administration, promoting good governance and developing a sustainable economic model, which will put the Road Accident Fund in a financially sound position.
According to the estimates of National Expenditure in Vote 33 - Transport, the recommendations of the Road Accident Fund Commission have been assessed regarding both their impact and implications. It further states that, subject to a Cabinet decision, work on a no-fault benefit scheme will start with the publication of a White Paper during 2006.
This appropriation will generate a surplus of R1,7 billion that will assist in partially offsetting future deficits over the 2006 MTEF.
During 2005-06 a total of 185 773 new claims were received by the Road Accident Fund. Owing to slow progress in finalising claims, the backlog of claims grew to 443 399. This indicates the need for measures to be introduced to ensure the future financial sustainability of the Road Accident Fund.
Whilst changes can be made to the structure of the Road Accident Fund, a critical challenge is the high number of fatalities and accidents which occur on our roads each year with an estimated cost to the economy of some R40 billion per annum. During December 2005 there was a 16,9% increase in fatalities in comparison to December 2004.
Every year more and more new drivers take to our roads. An estimated 60 000 new vehicles were purchased last year.
The national Department of Transport and the Arrive Alive campaign have performed well in raising awareness of the need for road safety. Despite these efforts the number of fatalities and road accidents remain at an unacceptably high level. On the one hand we need more visible and tougher traffic law enforcement, whilst on the other hand the users of our roads have to take responsibility for their own driving practices and the roadworthiness of their motor vehicles. The owners of vehicle fleets must start to take responsibility for how the drivers they employ drive.
It is correct that government must take responsibility for the enforcement of traffic laws on our roads, but it is equally correct that the users of our country's roads must ensure that they abide by the traffic laws, which govern our roads. We are pleased that the Road Traffic Management Corporation has started to function. We urge the Road Traffic Management Corporation to approach its task with a sense of urgency, as it has an important role to play in ensuring order on our roads.
In conclusion, we in the ANC support this appropriation and also urge all the users of our roads to obey the rules of our roads. Together we can create safer roads and reduce the number of fatalities and motor vehicle accidents. I thank you. [Applause.]