The Congress of South African Trade Unions welcomes Transport Minister Sibusiso Ndebele's instruction to the SA National Roads Agency Limited (Sanral) to halt all processes related to the future tolling of national roads, but is outraged that this does not include a halt on the contentious e-tolling system set to be introduced in Gauteng in February.
The minister promises that there will be a process of public consultation over future tolling proposals. He made the same promise in relation to the Gauteng tolls, however, and a hearing is to take place on 11 November 2011. But what is the purpose of such a hearing when the minister is saying that these tolls are to be imposed anyway?
The minister has clearly accepted the basic arguments that COSATU and others have been making, when he says that "While the country requires good road infrastructure to meet its economic growth targets, this shouldn't put a huge financial burden on the shoulders of consumers... All spheres of government should be part of a consultative process with all affected parties, consumers in the main. Good infrastructure is a necessity for a better future for our country, but this requirement must not leave our people even poorer."
If that argument applies to the rest of South Africa, as it should, then why are the people of Gauteng to be forced to become "even poorer" through paying the tolls regardless of their views?
The tolls will have a particularly devastating effect on workers who have no alternative but to drive to work because of the lack of a proper public transport system. They will impose a huge additional burden on road users, while generating huge profits to those who have installed and will be running this R20bn system.
They will lead to big price increases in the shops to cover the increased cost of transporting goods, and some companies may even be forced out of business and have to retrench workers because of their increased transport costs.
COSATU has issued a notice under Section 77 of the Labour Relations Act and negotiations on this are continuing in Nedlac. If there is no change in policy from government and the negotiations deadlock, we shall be planning marches, demonstrations, pickets and stayaways, and taking strike action if the tolls are not scrapped. We are confident that thousands of other Gauteng residents will be joining us in these protests. We shall consider court action if people are discriminated on the basis of geography.
The federation will continue to demand as its alternative to tolled roads, an integrated, safe, reliable and affordable public transport system.
Statement issued by Patrick Craven, COSATU national spokesperson, October 24 2011
Click here to sign up to receive our free daily headline email newsletter
