SABC-News

Azra Hoosen | ah@radioislam.co.za
1 April 2024 | 10:00 CAT
2 min read

After a decade of controversy and accumulating significant debt, e-tolls in Gauteng will finally begin their official phase-out next month. This move, announced in a Government Gazette signed by Transport Minister Sindisiwe Chikunga, signifies the removal of electronic toll points from six segments of Gauteng roads.

The gazette specified that the withdrawal of toll declarations will take effect from April 11 at 23:59:59.

Wayne Duvenage, CEO of the Organisation Undoing Tax Abuse (OUTA), confirmed that these segments cover all areas where e-tolls have been operating.

Since its inception in 2008, OUTA has waged a relentless battle against e-tolls.

Speaking to Radio Islam, OUTA’s CEO, Wayne Duvenage, said: “They were not sure how they were going to resolve this issue; there was a lot of finger-pointing as to who was going to do what, but the reality was it was a SANRAL decision with the Department of Transport, which eventually happened, so now we have the final date gazetted, and the original date had to be undone.”

Duvenage emphasised that the scheme had failed long ago, acknowledging the arduous battle but ultimately expressing relief at reaching the end.

The failed project has left South African National Roads Agency Limited (Sanral) burdened with significant debt, part of which the Gauteng provincial government has agreed to shoulder. Initially committed to taking on 30% of the debt, the province now awaits the National Treasury to assume responsibility for the remaining portion.

“The problem is the Gauteng province doesn’t have this money and is taking money away from its social responsibility,” he said.

Earlier this month, Gauteng Treasury disclosed that it had initiated discussions with commercial banks to secure loans for servicing the R12.9 billion debt incurred by the Gauteng Freeway Improvement Plan (GFIP).

“We doubt that people who have paid for e-toll will be refunded. The government was not billing unlawfully,” he said.

Duvenage advised that individuals who receive a summons for non-payment of e-tolls should contact OUTA, assuring them that the organisation will handle the matter.

LISTEN to the full interview with Ml Ibrahim Daya and Wayne Duvenage, CEO of OUTA, here.