The once hotly debated e-Toll initiative, now relegated to history, was initially seen as a solution to bolster Gauteng’s road infrastructure, albeit amidst controversy. The e-Tolls were part of the Gauteng Freeway Improvement Project (GFIP).
It also served as a significant source of employment, sustaining numerous families.
End of an era
At the stroke of midnight on Friday, a collaborative effort involving the Department of Transport, the Gauteng transport department, the premier’s office, and Sanral officials, culminated in the shutdown of all e-Toll gantries, marking the end of an era.
For motorists who had long questioned the rationale and feasibility of the project, it is a victory. The project was ceaselessly tapping into their finances. Yet, for many families reliant on jobs generated by the initiative, fears have risen.
The termination of e-Tolls casted shadows of uncertainty over these families. Especially with South Africa grappling with an unemployment rate exceeding 32.1% and the soaring cost of living.
Preserving the 900 jobs a priority
Sanral CEO Reginald Demana, however, has offered reassurance, affirming that jobs will not be lost. “Preserving jobs is our utmost priority,” he declared.
Demana elaborated that over 900 individuals were directly employed for the e-Toll project across various Sanral departments. This includes roles in call centres, business centres, and toll booths scattered throughout the province.
He acknowledged the monumental task ahead. However, he emphasised the agency’s commitment to retaining these positions. This it will do by repurposing them and consolidating these centres.
Transport Minister Sindisiwe Chikunga echoed this sentiment, emphasising the government’s stance against job losses.
Despite the scrapping of e-Tolls, the gantries will remain in place but will find a new purpose. Chikunga disclosed that they will be repurposed to bolster the Gauteng government’s efforts in combating crime.
“It is our infrastructure, it is our investment, we are repurposing them. They will ensure road safety and assist in fighting crime,” she said.
Echoes a resounding call
Gauteng Transport MEC Kedibone Diale-Tlabela declared that the conclusion of the e-Toll era echoes a resounding call.
Diale-Tlabela acknowledged the objections and discontent of the people regarding the implementation of e-Tolls.
She said the tolling system placed an undue financial burden on citizens and businesses. This despite the noble intention to fund road infrastructure and alleviate congestion.
“…The e-Tolls were meant to assist with funding the upgrade of our roads infrastructure and reduce congestion, road fatalities and to oil growth in the economy. There was, however, a challenge of where to source sustainable funding. Especially in an urban environment where you cannot construct booms,” Diale-Tlabela said.
Noble intention back-fired
“The intention by the government then was noble. However, the implementation of the project triggered a lot of displeasure and backlash for the people Gauteng,” she said.
“We stood firm as the Gauteng provincial government. And we opposed the tolling system as it was putting the burden of funding the GFIP on the shoulders of our citizens. …This while these roads service the national economy and economies of neighbouring countries. We were firm in our belief that there were alternative methods of funding GFIP.”
Chikunga celebrated the decision to abolish toll charges, seeing it as a victory for democracy.
“Tonight, we celebrate a victory for our democracy, where the voices of the people have been heard and acted upon.
“From this moment forth, road users will no longer be charged for using the GFIP network. This decision is a testament to our government’s commitment to listen to and serve the needs of its citizens,” she said.
Promises fulfilled
Meanwhile, Premier Panyaza Lesufi emphasised that this move vindicated the provincial government’s promises and commitment to addressing persistent issues.
“We have eliminated a permanent problem. When we made a promise that this would happen, they did not believe us and accused us of [making empty] promises. Now that these things are gone, I wonder what will be their new story,” he said.
“Our commitment to do this was not informed by any other thing but our desire to ensure that permanent problems are arrested.”
