By Bongiwe Dlamini

MBABANE:The Sincephetelo Motor Vehicle Accident Fund (SMVAF) has paid out a staggering E600,000,000 to victims of road crashes in the last five(5) years, transforming the lives of thousands of emaSwati who found themselves in life-altering situations.

These funds have intervened in countless lives, underscoring SMVAF’s dedication to compensating survivors of road crashes, providing holistic care, and fostering road safety across Eswatini. This achievement reflects the Fund’s commitment to ensuring that those affected by road crashes are not only compensated as per the dictates of legislations but supported in rebuilding their lives.

The achievement is set against the backdrop of a significant 137% increase in severe cases from 2022 to 2024, with overall case volumes rising across all severity levels. 

This surge is largely attributed to improved case reporting and a growing demand for intensive care, rehabilitation, and specialist referrals. 

As a result, the rise in severe cases has led to an increased need for medical equipment and consumables to meet the escalating healthcare demands. The SMVAF was established under the Motor Vehicle Accidents Act of 1991, to compensate victims of road accidents - who have suffered bodily injuries or loss of support following the death of breadwinners without having to have recourse to third-party insurance. One of the defining features of SMVAF’s approach is its Seamless Sincephetelo Strategy 2020/24, to address the growing need for a more proactive model of care. 

This strategy shifted the focus from reactive interventions to the pro-active business model. Survivors of road crashes have since reported several positive aspects of the proactive model, including timely medical interventions, effective treatments, and proactive claim lodgement.

SMVAF now actively identifies accident victims in hospitals, assists them in lodging claims, and works to expedite payments.

“We no longer wait for people who are involved in road crashes to come to us. We meet them where they are, ensuring no one falls through the cracks, even in the most remote parts of the country,” said David Myeni, the CEO of SMVAF.

“As part of our Seamless Strategy journey, our team of professionals, including medical personnel, would go to hospitals to identify potential claimants, assesses their needs and condition, helps them lodge claims, and ensures they are compensated correctly and timeously.”

“We are now taking a step further to empower claimants to take charge of their treatment and rehabilitation journey, while continuing to support them as per claim limits and the SMVAF Act,” he said.

The SMVAF’s proactive approach facilitated early intervention, minimising delays that often lead to complications. New case registrations increased by 19%, highlighting the effectiveness of this early intervention. Additionally, the number of discharged cases, following treatment, rehabilitation, or maximum medical improvement, rose by 21%, reflecting faster recovery and fewer complications.

This proactive model has been guided by Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs), ensuring road crash victims are attended to promptly and comprehensively.

SMVAF’s support does not stop at compensation. 

The Fund also provides home visits by nurses to ensure road crash survivors recover well. Social assistance such as food parcels, medical follow-ups, and assistance with adapting to life-altering injuries are all part of the holistic care the Fund offers.

“Some of our clients lose everything after an accident. We meet them halfway, helping them regain some normalcy in their lives,” said Sam Mzileni, the Corporate Services Executive of SMVAF.

The impact of this approach is reflected in stories like that of Sipho Dlamini, a road crash survivor who credits SMVAF with turning his life around.

“I thought my life was over. But SMVAF helped me get medical care and even supported me with groceries while I recovered,” he said.

Similarly, other survivors have praised the Fund for providing transportation to medical appointments and facilitating quicker access to rehabilitation services.

For some clients left paraplegic after road accidents, SMVAF often steps in through its Corporate Social Investment (CSI) programme to assist with home modifications.

Many accident survivors face challenges adapting their homes to suit their new needs but claim limits frequently do not cover such extensive changes. 

Through the CSI programme, SMVAF has made exceptional contributions, ensuring homes are accessible and disability friendly.

“MVA did not just help me with compensation following the road crash; they ensured my home was modified so I could move around easily after my accident. They adjusted my bathroom, bedroom, and entrance, making my daily life much easier,” said Sizwe Mamba, a beneficiary.

“SMVAF puts a human touch to its operations, and that is commendable. They saw beyond the paperwork and understood my struggles. Other organisations could learn a lot from them.”

Emergency Preparedness and Healthcare Investment

The Fund has made substantial investments in improving emergency responses and healthcare infrastructure. Its Emergency Preparedness and Response (EPR) initiative, backed by E16 million, ensures road crash victims receive life-saving care within the golden hour. The golden hour is the crucial first hour after a road accident when immediate medical care greatly improves survival chances and reduces complications. Timely intervention during this period can stabilise victims and prevent life-threatening conditions.

This investment by SMVAF highlights the importance of swift emergency responses in saving lives and improving recovery outcomes.

Ambulances and resuscitation centre, which is still under construction, have been strategically placed across the country, reducing response times to an average of three minutes.

“It’s all about the golden hour. If we can stabilise someone quickly, we can save lives and reduce the long-term impact of injuries,” said Mzileni.

Road safety is a critical concern in Eswatini, with over 200 lives lost annually to road crashes, equating to 10 deaths per 100,000 people. The World Health Organisation estimates this figure is much higher, at 361. These fatalities and injuries cost the country about R8 billion annually, or 11% of its GDP. 

This highlights the severe impact of road accidents on both the lives of emaSwati and the national economy. Contributing factors such as human behaviour, negligence, and health issues make the role of the SMVAF essential in addressing this crisis.

In a recent address during the Road Injury Prevention Indaba, Prime Minister Russell Dlamini stated that the SMVAF’s targeted investments in emergency response, public awareness, and infrastructure improvements are vital in saving lives and alleviating the economic strain of road crashes.

“By focusing on both immediate healthcare needs and accident prevention, the Fund plays a crucial role in safeguarding the productivity and economic stability of the nation. Without these proactive efforts, the toll on families, communities, and GDP would be devastating,” PM Dlamini said.

In another matter, SMVAF has supported healthcare facilities, including the refurbishment of an operating theatre at RFM Hospital in Manzini and the provision of critical medical supplies to Mbabane Government Hospital. These efforts have strengthened the country’s healthcare system, ensuring accident victims receive timely and quality care.

Community Engagement Through the Ingwenyama Cup

While compensation and healthcare remain at the core of its operations, SMVAF recognises the importance of community engagement. From claim settlements to cultural sponsorships, SMVAF plays a crucial role in serving a unifying purpose for the nation, encompassing improving the lives of emaSwati. Activities such as the Ingwenyama Cup tournament, a unique blend of football and Swati cultural celebration, has become a cornerstone of SMVAF’s outreach efforts.

“Whether it is operational programmes or CSI projects, everything we do is designed to have a tangible impact on the ordinary Swati in every corner of the country,” emphasises Myeni.

The Ingwenyama Cup tournament provides a platform for promoting road safety awareness while celebrating Swati heritage through traditional activities like sibhaca and ummiso. Thousands of emaSwati gather for the event, creating opportunities for local traders and boosting grassroots economic activity.

“In a world where cultural identity is increasingly under threat, it is commendable that Eswatini has a platform like the Ingwenyama Cup to showcase and celebrate our heritage,” said Myeni.

“The Ingwenyama Cup is more than just a tournament. It is a platform for economic activity, cultural restoration, and presents the Fund with the opportunity to engage with emaSwati at every level. Teams from remote areas compete on equal footing with more established clubs, reinforcing the message that everyone has a chance to participate and benefit.”

In addition, the Chief Operations Officer of the Fund, Innocent Dlamini observes that due to the regular engagements in road shows and platforms presented by the Ingwenyama Cup, there is an increase in claims registered, an indication that there is an increase in awareness on critical claims matters.

“In the recent tournament, the Fund conducted a brand awareness survey at key Ingwenyama Cup events and the results show that members of the public are now more aware of the Fund’s services and what do in the unfortunate event of a road crash. What we are doing now is to build on that foundation to create a memorable customer journey.”

Road safety also remains a critical area for SMVAF, and platforms such as the Ingwenyama Cup tournament are an impactful and effective platform to achieve that goal, while other projects such as the Cattle Ranging exercise and roadside clearing projects, ensure safer travels for road users.

“We are here for the ordinary Swati. Whether it is through compensation, road safety initiatives, or cultural engagement, everything we do is about making a difference to the public we serve,” said Myeni.

The Sincephetelo Motor Vehicle Accident Fund continues to be a pillar of hope and transformation, ensuring the journey of recovery and rehabilitation for accident survivors is as seamless as possible. Its commitment to care, proactivity, and community impact underscores its vital role in building a safer and more inclusive Eswatini.