Parliamentary inquiry: NUMSA testifies on mass suspensions and intimidation at RAF

Representatives of the National Union of Metalworkers (NUMSA) have testified in Parliament about a “reign of terror” allegedly waged against its members by the former chief executive officer of the Road Accident Fund (RAF), Collins Letsoalo.

The union said at least 200 claims handlers were suspended on spurious allegations of being corrupt in 2022.

The Standing Committee on Public Accounts resumed its inquiry into maladministration at the RAF on Tuesday, after adjourning hearings last year when Letsoalo ignored summonses to appear before it.

NUMSA alleges the RAF failed to prove before the Commission for Conciliation, Mediation and Arbitration (CCMA ) that suspended claims handlers had been corrupt, as alleged by Letsoalo.

The union's head of collective bargaining, Viwe James, said the workers were charged with gross misconduct and negligence for failing to handle court orders within 180 days.

"The only sense I had was the ego of the individual we were dealing with. He became a monster because he was abusive to workers, because if you don’t agree with him, then he’s going to fight with you."

James maintains that claims handlers were the fall guys for systemic problems at the RAF, with case loads of 2,000 files each.

He has also testified that at least 400 staffers faced retrenchment in 2024 to make way for an automated claims system, and that the institution lost experienced staff who opted for voluntary severance packages.

"The only reason they took that opportunity was because of the terror they were exposed to, and they decided just to leave."

The union said there are still staffers affected by Letsoalo’s decisions who remain at home, but it could not provide a precise number.