MBABANE:Minister of Finance Neal Rijkenberg lauded Sincemphetelo Motor Vehicle Accident Fund(SMVAF) regional leadership and confirmed that Government is currently considering legislative reforms to increase the Fund’s compensation threshold from E1million to E3million.
Speaking during the Regional Case Management Conference, the Finance Minister explained that this adjustment would ensure that, the Fund remains responsive to the rising costs of medical treatment, rehabilitation, and long-term support for survivors.
“The Sincephetelo MVA Fund has long been a pillar of social protection in Eswatini. Its evolution from a compensation-focused institution to a proactive, patient-centred organisation is commendable,” he said.
The Minister said SMVAF continues to fulfil its central role: compensating road accident victims and restoring livelihoods. “Over E775 million has been disbursed in claims over the last four years, directly supporting individuals and families in their most vulnerable moments,” said the Minister.
The current compensation limits disbursed by the SMVAF also include E10,000 for funeral expenses, E350,000 each for loss of earnings and loss of support, and E150,000 for general damages (pain and suffering)6. Over the last four years, the SMVAF has disbursed over E775 million in claims, supporting individuals and families.
“Every Lilangeni spent on integrated care is an investment in human capital, economic productivity, and national resilience,” he added.
The Minister reaffirmed that the Fund’s transformation aligns with Eswatini’s Sustainable Development Goals, especially Goal 3: Good Health and Well-being, ensuring that no patient is left behind.
"Integrated care is the bridge that connects this vision to reality. It ensures that no patient is treated in isolation, that physical healing is supported by mental and social rehabilitation, and that our systems work together, not in silos, to deliver better outcomes".
This commitment is backed by fiscal policies like outcome-based budgeting and support for digital health systems.
Minister Rijkenberg called for collective action, saying, “Together, let us bridge the gaps, strengthen our systems, and build a healthcare future where every recovery is a shared triumph”.
“Integrated care is the bridge that connects vision to reality. It ensures that physical healing is supported by mental and social rehabilitation-that our systems work together, not in silos,” he said.
Finance Minister Neal Rijikernberg says Government amending the law, wants to increase MVA compensation for victims to E3million.