E-Thief

Thousands of COSATU members took to the streets of Johannesburg on the 7^th March 2012 in an attempt to have their voice heard. Many are displeased with government and the e-toll levy that they are now expected to pay. Protesters handed over a memorandum of demands to Gauteng transport minister Ismail Vadi and Premier Nomvula Mokonyane outside the latter's office in the Johannesburg CBD.

 Cosatu general secretary Zwelinzima Vavi warned the government on Wednesday that the labour federation would not permit e-tolling to go ahead, as it would "drive poor people off our highways".

That being said, I’m sure many will agree that on top of paying taxes AND the constant hike in petrol prices, expecting road users to pay e-toll tariffs will be the final nail in the coffin.

According to SARPN www.sarpn.org the poverty in South Africa stands at a staggering 57%. Therefore based on the high levels of poverty in South Africa, how can government expect citizens to furthermore fork out money on e-toll tariffs?

Poverty rate (%) in South African municipalities

In Minister of Finance, Pravin Gordhan’s 2012 budget speech he says: “Mister Speaker, I am mindful that the introduction of tolling to finance the Gauteng Freeway Improvement Programme has caused considerable public reaction. We have listened carefully to the various suggestions and appreciate the difficulties that might be faced.”  www.moneyweb.co.za

 In saying that, what has government done to alleviate the costs charged to citizens? At no point before the installation of the e-tolls were the citizens consulted.

The Government’s response:

“The government has made a decision and the government is going to proceed to implement that decision, at the time when there’s a necessity for that decision to be changed, the cabinet will look at that, but at the moment, the cabinet decision stands.” the Minister in the Presidency, Collins Chabane.

E-tolling system will go ahead as scheduled on April 30.

Members of COSATU and thousands of South African road users are demanding answers more especially they are demanding relief from the increasing transportation costs. All they seem to be doing is paying for the upgrading of road that never seem to be upgraded year in and year out.