Gauteng Celebrates as South Africa Abandons Controversial E-Toll System
Gauteng province, housing South Africa’s bustling cities of Johannesburg and Pretoria, has officially waved goodbye to freeway tolls, marking the end of over a decade of public resistance.
At the stroke of 11:59 PM local time on Thursday, the controversial e-tolls were permanently disconnected. This move signifies that motorists will no longer face charges for utilizing the province’s freeways.
The e-tolls made their debut in December 2013, aiming to collect fees from highway users linking Johannesburg and Pretoria, purportedly to fund the development and upkeep of road infrastructure.
However, the toll system was met with widespread disapproval and opposition, with many drivers consistently refusing to pay the imposed charges.
Gauteng Premier Panyaza Lesufi emphasized the unfeasibility of the current e-toll setup, stating that it was financially burdensome. Consequently, the decision to scrap the tolls aims to provide much-needed relief to Gauteng residents, who have borne the brunt of these toll payments.
Transport Minister Sindisiwe Chikunga noted that motorists with outstanding toll fees are encouraged to settle their debts. However, the ministry has yet to establish a mechanism for enforcing these payments.
Despite this, several civil society groups, which had advocated for the tolls’ abolition, have urged motorists with outstanding debts to refrain from making payments.
