By Own Correspondent
Sincephetelo Motor Vehicle Accident Fund (SMVAF) Chairman Zithulele Gina has called for a bold recalibration of Eswatini’s road safety approach—one that treats traffic fines not merely as penalties, but as powerful tools for behavioural change.
Speaking at the Fund’s Case Management Conference on October 23, 2025, at the Hilton Garden Hotel, Gina argued that escalating fines for traffic violations could serve as a psychological deterrent, reducing reckless driving and ultimately lowering the incidence of road crashes.
“When fines are too lenient, they become a cost of misbehaviour rather than a deterrent,” Gina said. “We must make the consequences of poor driving choices felt before tragedy strikes.”
The Economics of Prevention
Gina emphasized that the financial burden of road accidents—borne by the Fund and the nation—is unsustainable. Every crash not only drains resources but delays the recovery of survivors who rely on the Fund’s support.
“Prevention is the most sustainable form of care,” he stated. “And that begins with strengthening law enforcement and ensuring traffic fines are a true deterrent for bad behaviour on our roads.”
The conference, themed “Integrating Care: Bridging Gaps in Health Care for Better Outcomes”, drew over 100 delegates from Eswatini, South Africa, Botswana, and Namibia. Gina used the platform to highlight the SMVAF’s evolution into a patient-centered institution focused on holistic recovery.
Integration as a Human Imperative
Gina described the Fund’s Case Management Model as a blueprint for dignified, coordinated care. It includes:
- Cross-disciplinary coordination among healthcare providers
- Mental health and rehabilitation as core recovery pillars
- Digitized claims and patient records for transparency and speed
“The journey of a road accident survivor does not end at the hospital gate,” Gina said. “It continues through rehabilitation, psychological healing, social reintegration, and economic empowerment.”
Regional Unity, Shared Vision
Acting CEO Sam Mzileni echoed Gina’s sentiments, calling for bold collaboration across borders and sectors. He praised the rotational nature of the conference as a symbol of regional unity and continuous improvement.
“This is more than a professional convening,” Mzileni said. “It’s a reaffirmation of our shared mission to restore lives and uphold dignity.”
Mzileni noted that joint efforts among sister Funds have helped thousands of survivors rebuild their lives, and urged delegates to turn dialogue into action.
(
Courtesy Pics)
