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If passed, we are doomed… but Nzimande can explain.
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The Road Accident Benefit Scheme (RABS) Bill that is being carried through by the Minister of Transport, Blade Nzimande, has caused an outcry from opposition parties.
On Tuesday evening, a while after the vote was passed to adopt the joint constitutional review committee’s (JCRC) report on land reform into Parliament, the ministry of transport tabled the Bill for consultation
The House was not able to vote on it since many of the members had left the building. This was a clear indication of how the opposition feels about the new Bill which seeks to replace the Road Accident Fund (raf)
Read – Road Accident Benefit Scheme: Simply unaffordable for the taxpayer
Already, the RAF takes a considerable chunk in levy fees. As of October, the fuel levy fee stood at 193c/l. Opposition parties argued that with the introduction of this new Bill, fuel levy fees would rocket higher than ever.
“Having to fund a dual system which would result in an increased fuel levy of up to 75%. This is unwarranted.”
The DA’s Chris Hunsinger stated.
The reason why opposition parties are so against this Bill is the premise with which it is built on — a no-fault basis.
According to an Eyewitness News article (written by Lindsay Dentlinger), the RABS seeks to do all that the RAF does and more. With the new Bill, drunk and negligent drivers who cause accidents will be covered by the social security fund.
Read – New road accident bill could raise fuel levies by 75%
Furthermore, the Bill makes note of the key changes it will institute once it has been passed. It will seek to:
Nzimande revealed that, besides other beneficial aspects of this Bill, it will, more importantly, root out immoral lawyers and doctors who have, for a long time, benefited from the RAF at the expense of the victims.
Read – Answered: Why do RAF payments take so long?
The Democratic Alliance (DA), Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF), United Democratic Movement (UDM), and other opposition parties have spoken against the passing of this ‘problematic’ Bill.
“We can’t afford RABS on a safety and financial basis. It will kill our people.”
said the EFF’S Thilivhali Mulaudzi.