COSATU press statement on the tolling saga in Gauteng Province

The Congress of South African Trade Unions in Gauteng has noted with serious concern the introduction of the tolling system in the Province ((see here - PDF). This will have a big impact on the poor in the Province and in particular to workers in the Province. The introduction of the tolls will increase the cost of transport for our members and workers in general.

We also note that there has never been consultation with the federation, within the alliance, with the local municipalities in the Province and or with any other person for that matter. We view such as an act in bad faith and we wish to place our position on record that as COSATU in Gauteng rejects the imposition of the tolls in the Province.

We will also be putting the matter to our next Provincial Executive Committee meeting, which will be expected to discuss the matter and develop a clear programme on how to take such a struggle forward. We also believe that this struggle against tolls should involve all the members of society in the Province.

The tolls will have serious implications for the decent work agenda as agreed upon in the Polokwane Conference and also as part of the ANC Election Manifesto, given that workers spend about 60% of their salaries on transport. The tolls will also affect other costs such as food prices if implemented in the manner in which it has been announced.

We call upon our members, members of the alliance, progressive forces and all people of Gauteng to join COSATU in the fight against these tolls which will cause misery to our people.

Statement issued by the COSATU Gauteng Provincial Secretary, Dumisani Dakile, February 7 2011

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