Zimbabwe’s “Paltry” Compensation for Accident Victims Sparks Outrage Among MPs
Zimbabwe MPs have expressed their outrage over the “paltry” compensation that accident victims in the country receive, which they say is a far cry from the millions paid out by neighbouring South Africa’s Road Accident Fund (RAF).
According to The Chronicle, Makoni Central MP David Tekeshe cited a case in which a Tenda bus passenger suffered a serious hand injury and was only compensated with 38,000 RTGS, equivalent to approximately USD38 or R700. Speaking in parliament, MP Tekeshe called the compensation system in Zimbabwe a “mockery”, especially given the high cost of medical treatment that accident victims have to undergo.
Comparing Compensation in Zimbabwe and South Africa
MP Tekeshe compared the case to a Zimbabwean friend who died in a road accident in South Africa, whose widow was compensated with R600,000, which was almost equivalent to USD60,000 at the time.
MP Tekeshe said, “In that country, he was compensated to the tune of R600,000 and it was almost equivalent to US$60,000 during that time.” The lack of adequate compensation for accident victims in Zimbabwe remains a pressing issue that needs to be addressed by the government.
Calls for Adequate Support for Accident Victims
MP Tekeshe urged the government to increase compensation and ensure that accident victims receive adequate support in order to recover from their injuries. He added, “Something must be done when one is involved in an accident, you will not be able to work due to that accident.” Deputy speaker of parliament Tsitsi Gezi advised MP Tekeshe to raise the issue with the relevant ministry.
The lack of adequate compensation for accident victims in Zimbabwe continues to be a pressing issue, with MPs expressing their concern over the “paltry” amounts that victims receive. With high medical costs, accident victims in the country face an uphill battle to recover from their injuries. It remains to be seen if the government will take action to address the issue and provide accident victims with the support they need.