STATEMENT BY PREMIER DAVID MAKHURA ON THE ESTABLISHMENT OF THE ADVISORY PANEL ON THE SOCIO-ECONOMIC IMPACT OF E-TOLLS

10 JULY 2014

In the State of the Province Address, on 27 June 2014, I committed that the Gauteng Provincial Government would set up a panel to assess the socio-economic impact of e-tolls in Gauteng.

Our decision to establish this panel is based on our conviction that the people's voice must be heard on matters that affect our province.

Over the past week I had consultations with all relevant stakeholders in this matter, including the national government and the South African Local Government Association in the province. There is common understanding on the approach we are taking.

We are now ready to establish the Panel on the Socio-economic Impact of E-tolls. This is an advisory panel comprising of a diverse team of experts. The panel will present its report and recommendations to the Gauteng Provincial Government.

The terms of reference for the panel are:

• to undertake a comprehensive assessment of the socio-economic impact of the introduction of the Gauteng Freeway Improvement Project in general and the e-tolls in particular on the economy and the people of Gauteng;
• to invite proposals and submissions from the people of Gauteng and stakeholders on the socio-economic impact and proposed solutions thereof; and
• to submit findings and recommendations to the Gauteng Provincial Government

The names of the panel members are:

1 Professor Muxe Nkondo (Chairperson)

2 Dr Patricia Hanekom (Secretariat)

3 Adv John Ngcebetsha

4 Dr Vuyo Mahlathi

5 Dr Luci Abrahams

6 Professor Fiona Tregenna

7 Dr Anna Mokgokong

8 Dr John Sampson

9 Ms Lauretta Teffo

10 Professor Christopher Malikane

I will announce the rest of the names once I have concluded consultations with them.

The Office of the Premier will provide administrative support while the Gauteng City Region Observatory will provide technical support to the panel.

The panel is expected to present monthly reports and a final report which will include recommendations to the Gauteng Provincial Government by 30 November 2014.

The panel will hold its first meeting on 17 July 2014.

I wish to reiterate that we are not promising easy solutions with the establishment of this panel. However we shall not turn a blind eye or a deaf ear to the cries of people who are negatively affected by the cost of travelling across the province.

At the same time I urge those who have vehicles to continue paying the e-toll tariffs, whilst we are finding a lasting solution.

I thank you,

Statement issued by Gauteng Premier David Makhura, July 10 2014

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