The financially-distressed Road Accident Fund (RAF) is now on its fourth CEO in seven months:
- Controversial CEO Collins Letsoalo exited in a process that began in May;
- Acting chief financial officer Phathutshedzo Lukhwareni was appointed acting CEO and subsequently placed on precautionary suspension;
- Victor Songelwa was appointed interim CEO and has now resigned; and
- Chief internal audit officer Radikwena Phora has now been appointed acting CEO.
Moneyweb has a copy of an internal communication letter sent to all RAF staff on 1 December on behalf of the RAF board stating that Songelwa had tendered his resignation effective 30 November and Minister of Transport Barbara Creecy had appointed Phora as acting CEO effective 1 December 2025.
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Moneyweb requested comment from the RAF on 2 December 2025 about Songelwa’s resignation and the alleged suspension of two further senior RAF officials.
A response was only received on Monday (8 December), stating: “Please note that the RAF will not be commenting on this matter.”
Moneyweb requested clarity on the reasons why the RAF was not prepared to comment on the resignation of Songelwa and two further apparent suspensions in light of the fact that this is in the public interest because of everything that has recently been happening at the RAF, including parliament’s Standing Committee on Public Accounts’ (Scopa) inquiry into maladministration at the fund.
The RAF responded on Wednesday, stating: “Please note that the RAF will not be providing further details or reasons except for the feedback that we shared earlier.”
Moneyweb asked the RAF to confirm:
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Songelwa’s resignation effective from 30 November 2025 and the reasons he provided for his resignation;
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The appointment of Phora as acting RAF CEO effective 1 December 2025;
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If RAF head of communications McIntosh Polela had been suspended on 21 November 2025 and, if so, the reasons for his suspension; and
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If RAF acting senior marketing manager Cammy Mkhize has been placed on suspension and, if so, when and the reasons for her suspension.
Informed sources told Moneyweb Polela and Mkhize had been suspended but this information remains unverified.
Additional request for information
Moneyweb further requested an update on the suspension effective from 7 November 2025 of:
- RAF acting CEO Phathuthedzo Lukhwareni;
- RAF chief financial officer Bernice Potgieter;
- RAF chief governance officer Mampe Kumalo;
- RAF head in the office of the CEO Mpho Manyasha; and
- RAF acting chief investment officer Sefotle Modiba, who was placed on precautionary suspension in June 2025 because of concerns about his previous employment at the City of Johannesburg and other matters at the RAF that were under investigation.
Attempts by Moneyweb to contact Polela directly were unsuccessful, with calls immediately diverted to voicemail and a message appearing on the screen after attempting a WhatsApp call, stating:
“Couldn’t place call because McIntosh is not registered on WhatsApp.”
Songelwa thanked
The communication sent to RAF staff on 1 December said the RAF board appreciates the contribution made by Songelwa during his tenure, particularly in navigating the organisation through a period of operational pressure and ongoing reform.
“We thank him for his service and wish him well in his future endeavours.”
The board said it welcomes Phora’s appointment, and that it (the board) “will provide all necessary support to ensure a smooth transition and continuity in leadership”.
“All executives and staff are requested to continue executing their responsibilities with diligence and to support Mr Phora as he assumes this important role,” it said.
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“Operational stability and service delivery to claimants remain our utmost priority.
“The board remains committed to strengthening governance, stabilising the organisation, and accelerating the ongoing programme of reforms in line with our mandate to serve claimants with integrity, compassion, accountability, respect, excellence, and empathy.
“Thank you for your continued commitment to the RAF,” it added.
Old board, new board
The RAF having its fourth CEO in seven months follows the previous RAF board placing the controversial Letsoalo on special leave with full pay and benefits with immediate effect on 27 May 2025.
That board on 2 June 2025 rescinded its decision to place Letsoalo on special leave but immediately placed him on suspension for insubordination related to his refusal to appear before Scopa the previous week.
Letsoalo’s contract as CEO of the RAF subsequently expired, which means he is now no longer employed by the fund.
Lukhwareni was appointed acting CEO when Letsoalo was placed on special leave – however, the new board under chair Kenneth Brown on 7 November 2025 placed Lukhwareni and several other RAF senior executives on precautionary suspension with immediate effect.
This led to Songelwa’s appointment as interim CEO.
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