OK, so here is the more detailed explanation:

In the good old days you had to pay 3rd party insirance and display it in your window. The majority of motorists didn't bother and it was impossible to police. Then the government came up with the idea of including it in the fuel price. About 5% of the price goes tot he road accident fund.

a year or so ago a computer geek was in an accident in Cape Town and claimed a few hundred miliion $$$$$ from the Road Accident Fund (3rd Party fund) they lost the case in court and had to pay up, bankrupting the fund for the next few years. Then they decided to change the law and only pay for serious injuries. A serious injury is described as at least one broken limb and soft tissue injuries are excluded. This is the concept they are fighting about in court as we speak. The lawers lost the case and the appeal and it is currently in the constitutional courts where they hope to stop the law from changing.

The effect on you as motorist: If you are neglegant you can personally be held liable. If not, there is nothing anyone can do to you. South africa is not a suing culture at all and personal injury lawers are so busy fighting the Road accident fund that they don't even think about personal liability. If you're stressed about it, speak to Neil. Fully Comp will probably cost you less than 60 euro a month.

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Dawie du Plessis
www.pictureafrica.org
www.photographersa.co.za