Collins Letsoalo, the Chief Executive Officer of the Road Accident Fund (RAF), has been placed on special leave with immediate effect, according to an announcement by the Department of Transport.
The decision was communicated to Deputy Minister Mkhuleko Hlengwa, who serves as the delegated shareholder representative, following a special RAF board meeting held on Tuesday, 27 May.
In a statement released on Wednesday, the department clarified that Letsoalo’s leave is a precautionary measure while investigations by the Special Investigating Unit (SIU) continue. The RAF board emphasized that the move does not amount to disciplinary action or suggest any presumption of wrongdoing.
“The CEO will remain on special leave until the SIU completes its investigations or until an earlier date, should the board decide so,” the statement read. “This step has been taken solely in the interest of good governance and to ensure the integrity of the investigative process.”
The board noted that its actions align with its fiduciary responsibilities under the Road Accident Fund Act (No. 56 of 1996), the Public Finance Management Act (No. 1 of 1999), and the governance principles outlined in King IV.
To maintain operational continuity, Phathutshedzo Lukhwareni has been appointed as acting CEO.
Deputy Minister Hlengwa has also instructed that the matter be included in the agenda for the upcoming board meeting scheduled for 9 June 2025.
