EFF statement on the long overdue cancellation of e-tolls

10 April 2024

The Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) welcomes the long-overdue cancellation of e-tolls, effective from the 12th of April 2024. This decision signifies the end of a nefarious fundraising scheme orchestrated by the political elite of the ruling party.

The fake victory being claimed by the ANC is nothing short of absurd and must be vehemently rejected. It is ludicrous to celebrate the abolition of a burden on motorists that they themselves introduced. They are not worthy of applause for succumbing to political pressure to reverse a policy they implemented to fleece the public.

Introduced in 2013, the ANC government neglected to seek the input of Gauteng residents on this matter. There was no meaningful consultation with the affected communities and despite concerns raised to national government officials and the Transport Ministry, they proceeded to impose the e-toll system on the people of Gauteng.

However, it quickly became evident that there was no effective mechanism to compel people to pay nor were there any benefits derived from the funds collected as Gauteng roads have gotten progressively worse over the years. The province even wielded threats of prosecution against countless individuals for non-payment, despite the glaring absence of constitutional legitimacy surrounding the coercive e-tolling system.

Therefore, the EFF demands that all e-toll debt be immediately scrapped, including for motorists who have received intimidating letters of demand and invoices to pay these nonsensical tolls, even after the abolishment of e-tolls. The SANRAL circular which states that outstanding e-toll fees up until the I Ith of April 2024 must be paid is pure nonsense that must be resisted by all self-respecting residents of Gauteng.

Let it be clear. voters must not be duped by the ANC's sudden change of mind on e-tolls, and must read it as a pure electioneering ploy. They cannot erase the years of misery they inflicted upon the people of Gauteng. We call on South Africans to remember this betrayal when they cast their votes this May. The ANC's track record on e-tolls is a testament to their disregard for the well-being of ordinary citizens and their willingness to prioritise their own interests over the needs of the people.

Issued by Sinawo Thambo, National Spokesperson, EFF, 10 April 2024