BY LINDELWA MYENI
MBABANE– EmaSwati involved in road accidents are entering a new era of compensation and support following the implementation of the SMVAF Act, 2026, which introduces a new legal framework governing the Swaziland Motor Vehicle Accident Fund (SMVAF).
The legislation officially came into effect on July 1, 2026, marking one of the Fund’s most significant changes in recent years and setting the stage for improvements in the way members of the public affected by motor vehicle accidents are assisted.
SMVAF Chief Executive Officer Khangeziwe Mabuza announced the milestone during the Fund’s Quarter One Business Review Forum, describing the implementation of the new legislation as an important development in strengthening the institution’s compensation framework.
For ordinary road users, accident victims and their families, the changes are expected to mean a compensation system operating under an updated legal framework designed to guide the Fund as it responds to people affected by motor vehicle accidents.
“The new SMVAF Act, 2026 is live,” Mabuza said.
The introduction of the legislation has not only changed the legal environment under which SMVAF operates, but has also prompted the organisation to begin adjusting its internal systems and operations.
According to Mabuza, departments within the Fund are undergoing changes to ensure they are properly positioned to implement the strategic requirements introduced by the new law.
The transition comes at an important time for SMVAF, whose work directly touches the lives of people who may suddenly find themselves dealing with the financial and personal consequences of road accidents.
Alongside the new Act, SMVAF has developed a new institutional strategy, which has already gone through the Fund’s internal review process and has been submitted to the Ministry of Finance for final approval.
The strategy is expected to provide direction as the Fund rolls out the new legal framework while strengthening its operations and service delivery.
However, SMVAF does not intend to confine information about the changes to its offices.
Mabuza revealed that the Fund plans to embark on a nationwide public outreach programme covering all four regions of Eswatini.
The programme will focus on educating EmaSwati about the new Act, helping communities understand the changes introduced by the legislation and taking information about SMVAF services closer to the people.
The outreach could prove particularly important for accident victims and families who may not always understand the processes, services and assistance available through the Fund.
As SMVAF enters this period of transformation, Mabuza also made it clear that institutional integrity would remain central to the Fund’s operations.
She issued a warning against employee misconduct, stressing that ethical behaviour would remain non-negotiable as the organisation implements major legal and operational reforms.
She said protecting the integrity of the Fund was critical at a time when SMVAF was introducing a new Act, preparing a new strategy and making operational adjustments intended to strengthen service delivery.
With the legislation already in force, a new strategy awaiting final approval and public education programmes planned across the country, SMVAF has started the new financial year with an ambitious reform agenda.
For members of the public, the real measure of the changes will ultimately be how effectively the new framework translates into accessible services, clearer information and a stronger compensation system for people whose lives are disrupted by road accidents.
(Courtesy Pic)
