The official shutdown date for e-tolls in Gauteng has been confirmed, marking the end of a controversial system that stirred much discontent over the past decade.
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The South African National Roads Agency (Sanral) has issued a government gazette declaring that sections of the N1, N3, N4, N12, and R21, which were part of the Gauteng Freeway Improvement Project (GFIP), will no longer be tolled.
“The date and time for the withdrawal of toll declarations will be effective from 11 April 2024 at 23:59:59,” the gazette states, signed by Transport Minister Sindiswe Chikunga.
The Organisation Undoing Tax Abuse (Outa) hailed this announcement as the conclusion of a lengthy battle against e-tolling in Gauteng. Outa CEO Wayne Duvenage expressed satisfaction, remarking, “It has been a long road, but today we can officially celebrate the end of e-tolling in Gauteng.”
The shutdown confirmation follows Gauteng Premier Panyaza Lesufi’s assurance of initiating the formal process to dismantle e-tolls by 31 March 2024. Gauteng Finance MEC Jacob Mamabolo disclosed plans to publish the toll deregulation document before the commencement of the 2024/25 financial year on 1 April 2024.
Outa emerged in 2012 in direct opposition to the e-toll scheme, which debuted in December 2013. Duvenage attributed the scheme’s downfall to the steadfast resistance of hundreds of thousands of motorists and business leaders who refused to pay e-toll bills.
Despite the government’s persistent efforts to enforce e-toll payments over the years, Outa maintained its stance against the scheme. Duvenage emphasized the importance of meaningful public participation in policy formulation and legislation, asserting that citizens had successfully challenged an ill-conceived government decision.
While future use of previously tolled roads will not incur charges, historical debts remain subject to collection, contradicting previous promises of debt cancellation and refunds made by Gauteng Premier Lesufi.
