Dr Maria Claudina Koorts

A former human rights lawyer, Dr Maria Koorts was appointed deputy Director- General in September 2007. She obtained her doctorate in business administration from the Central University of Technology, Free State in 2002 and also holds a B Juris degree and LLB and LLM post-graduate law degrees in human rights (both completed cum laude) from the University of Free State. As deputy director-general Dr Koorts is responsible for overseeing the restructuring of South Africa’s road accident benefit system, as well as governance and risk management.

Her other focus areas include the Road Accident Benefit Scheme Policy, Road Accident Fund shareholder management and compliance oversight, strategic planning and operational process management, legal advice, financial oversight, and performance management.

In 1994 Dr Koorts joined the Bloemfontein Bar as an advocate of the then Supreme Court, where she practised corporate and human rights law.