Q: Can you briefly explain what the Motor Vehicle Accident Fund in Botswana does?
A: The MVA Fund was established in 1987 to provide timely and compassionate compensation to people affected by road traffic crashes in Botswana. At the time, insurance companies provided the cover, but when premiums rose significantly, many drivers couldn’t afford insurance and were left uninsured, which was risky. The government stepped in with a fuel levy–based system to provide third-party coverage. Initially, the Fund operated on a fault-based model, but this changed with the Motor Vehicle Accident Fund Act No. 15 of 2007, which introduced universal coverage for anyone affected by road crashes.
Q: How does the MVA Fund balance its dual role of compensating accident victims and promoting road safety?
A: The MVA Fund has a dual mandate: to prevent road traffic accidents and to provide equitable compensation to those affected. We actively invest in road safety education, public awareness campaigns, and partnerships aimed at reducing crashes. Our approach is holistic—we understand that preventing accidents ultimately reduces the need for compensation. Still, when an accident occurs, the Fund provides comprehensive support, from emergency medical care to long-term rehabilitation.
Q: The Fund is financed through a fuel levy and vehicle registration fees. How sustainable is this model given the growing demand and rising costs?
A: While the current model, based on a fuel levy and levies on foreign-registered vehicles, has been sustainable for many years, increasing accident rates and rising healthcare costs present financial sustainability challenges. We continuously review our financing model to ensure it can support future claims. Strategic planning, cost containment, and exploring alternative funding options—or adjusting current levies—may be necessary to ensure long-term viability.
Q: In a typical year, how many Batswana benefit from the Fund, and what support do they receive?
A: The Fund assists all road traffic crash victims—both Batswana and non-citizens—with services ranging from emergency evacuation and hospitalization to long-term rehabilitation, assistive devices, prosthetics, funeral expenses, and monthly income support for those who lose earning capacity. We also support the dependents of deceased victims. Over the past three years, we’ve settled an average of 2,165 claims annually, with an average cost of P218 million.
Q: What is the process for an injured person to access support from the Fund? How quickly can they expect assistance?
A: The process begins with immediate medical attention, often provided by the Fund or its emergency response partners, who evacuate victims from the crash scene to the nearest medical facility for treatment. Victims or their families can then submit a claim by providing documents such as police reports, statements, and medical records. We prioritize emergency and life-saving interventions, while other support services—like rehabilitation or income replacement—are processed based on structured assessments. Funeral claims are settled within eight hours.
Q: How does the Fund determine which services to prioritize for claimants?
A: We use a needs-based, case-by-case assessment model. Immediate medical care is always the top priority to save lives and prevent permanent disability. From there, we tailor services—such as physiotherapy, home modifications, psychological support, and income replacement—based on medical evaluations and social welfare assessments.
Q: Beyond financial payouts, how does the Fund contribute to the broader economy?
A: Our rehabilitation and reintegration programs help beneficiaries regain independence and return to work, reducing long-term dependence on social support. We also partner with local hospitals, clinics, and service providers, creating a steady client base for the healthcare sector and contributing to employment through procurement and training. Our return-to-work program engages employers to reintegrate injured individuals and modify workspaces—for instance, by adding ramps—to support their return.
Q: Botswana has seen a rise in road traffic accidents. How has the Fund responded, and what challenges do you face?
A: The increase in road crashes has put significant pressure on our resources. We’ve scaled up prevention strategies, improved operational efficiency, and invested in data-driven decision-making. A major challenge is balancing growing compensation demands with limited funding, especially in the face of rising motorization, urbanization, and shifting road user behaviors.
Q: What road safety programs does the Fund run, and how do you measure their effectiveness?
A: We run several programs, including school outreach, driver education, mass media campaigns, and stakeholder forums like the Transport Leaders Forum and Road Safety Stakeholder Engagements. We also collaborate with churches on shared activities. We assess effectiveness using crash data, public awareness surveys, and impact evaluations in partnership with the police, transport authorities, and NGOs.
Q: Have partnerships with businesses or government agencies helped improve road safety?
A: Absolutely. We collaborate with the Botswana Police Service, the Department of Road Transport and Safety, SORSA, BOCHAIP, and corporate sponsors during national campaigns. These partnerships have boosted the visibility of road safety messages, improved law enforcement, and helped shift behavior, especially during peak traffic seasons.
Q: Where does the MVA Fund see itself in five years? Are there new services or strategies on the horizon?
A: In five years, we aim to remain a key player and become a regional benchmark in post-crash care and road safety. We plan to digitize our claims process for easier access, expand rehabilitation partnerships, strengthen our data and analytics capabilities, and introduce innovative funding strategies. We’re also committed to inclusivity and accessibility, ensuring that every Motswana, regardless of location, can access the Fund.
