The South African National Roads Agency (Sanral) says it was "taken aback" this morning when it saw Democratic Alliance (DA) protesters in front of its head office building, with a truck and loud speakers.
A group of about 120 protesters staged a picket outside Sanral's head office in Pretoria, where government is making submissions to Gauteng premier David Makhura's e-toll review panel.
The agency says it was not informed about the march and when Sanral GM of communications Vusi Mona had a discussion with the group leaders, "they conceded that they do not have permission to gather and protest and are waiting for their regional leader to advise [them] further".
The picket was led by DA Gauteng North regional chairperson Solly Msimanga and DA National spokespersons Phumzile van Damme and Marius Redelinghuys. They were accompanied by a DA MP and members of the Gauteng provincial legislature.
Willie Venter, director: communications and research, DA Gauteng provincial legislature caucus, says the picket was "to reiterate that the people of Gauteng are against the e-toll system, and want it to be scrapped".
"The ANC in Gauteng has realised this, and it's time that national government realises it too."
Venter says he cannot comment on the legality of the protest, but speculates the issue might have arisen due to the late announcement of the venue where government would be presenting to the e-tolls review panel. "The notice of submissions by government was made about a month ago, but the venue was only confirmed on Monday. I think this could possibly have been the problem."
Basic courtesy
However, Sanral says the DA had ample opportunities to present its views and opinions to the e-toll review panel, adding the party did so without any form of outside protest and disturbance. The agency notes "it is a pity that they do not want to extend this basic courtesy to other institutions, which are exercising the same right".
"We have called the metro police to assist as this gathering is illegal and hampering the day-to-day running of business at Sanral. The DA marchers are making access to the building difficult for members of the review panel staff and visitors coming to Sanral for business purposes," says Mona.
Sanral also said the panel has elevated the matter to the DA's political leadership, advising it that when the party made its representations to the panel it was not disrupted.
"It is very disturbing when a political party that claims to uphold the law shows such disregard for the rights of others," says Mona.
This week sees the Department of Transport, National Treasury and Sanral appearing before the 15-member e-tolls review panel, establish by Gauteng premier David Makhura.
Share