09 May 2024

Motor Vehicle Accident (MVA) Fund has raised  concern about individuals who divert funds from the organisation intended to compensate those who have been injured while earning an income.

Speaking at a seminar in Gaborone on Tuesday, an MVA Fund official in charge of rehabilitation, Ms Lesedi Molatedi, said funds were misappropriated, which significantly impacted the individuals relying on these funds for compensation and support after a motor vehicle accident.

She said that some recipients mismanage the funds by redirecting them for personal use or unauthorized reasons. Moreover, she said in instances  individuals entrusted with managing the funds for certain patients ended up siphoning the money away from its intended recipients.

This misallocation of funds can have severe consequences for road accident victims, as the funds are meant to cover medical expenses and lost wages, essential for their recovery and financial stability.

To address these challenges, Ms Molatedi stressed the importance of implementing accountability measures for both the victims and their caregivers to ensure that the funds were used for their intended purpose.

She further explained the criteria for loss of income benefits, stating that they were provided to individuals who were severely injured and unable to return to work due to the nature of their injuries.

Conditions such as polytrauma, amputations, spinal cord injuries, and traumatic head injuries are considered in determining eligibility for these benefits.

She said those claiming from the programme should have supporting documents that proved that they earned an income such as a pay slip, and that those self-employed should show evidence of a functional and money generating undertaking.

Another senior manager at MVA Fund, Ms Lydia Masilo-Nkhoma said a holistic understanding of the functions and operations of their organisation was necessary for clients to know their products and services.

She said it was imperative to empower claimants and to help them become independent and financially literate.ENDS