The Congress of SA Trade Unions (Cosatu) has agreed with government regarding e-tolling, saying an increase on the fuel levy should not be introduced as an alternative to e-tolling.
“We don't want an increase on the fuel levy so that everyone in the country is paying for roads in Gauteng. We agree with government there, but government has the responsibility to provide us with road infrastructure,” said general secretary Zwelinzima Vavi at an SABC panel discussion yesterday, which ITWeb attended.
“We have been paying for the roads all our lives through taxation and other methods. It was always there. It did not just come from heaven.” Vavi explained there is no reason for citizens to now pay extra for roads.
Meanwhile, also attending the panel discussion, the Road Freight Association again called for an increase in the fuel levy as opposed to e-tolling.
Several parties made this call, saying it would be a simpler, cheaper method than e-tolling, as it would not require the exorbitant operation costs that the e-tolling system would, and it would also not be a huge administrative burden.
The public, opposition parties, business and labour have aggressively rejected the idea of e-tolling, and several calls were made for motorists to not register for the system and to refuse to pay.
Trying to deal with this disobliging behaviour towards the system will result in heavy administrative pressure, as bills will have to be sent in the absence of e-tags, as well as reminders of fees due, and then prosecution action will have to be carried out. Government does not, as yet, have a method for dealing with those that defy the system and refuse to pay.
Massive protest
Cosatu will, on 7 March, carry out protest action against e-tolling, as well as labour broking. The federation says this will be the biggest mass protest in years, with 32 marches taking place around the country.
“Workers are determined to stop the commodification of public services through the imposition of tolling on Gauteng highways. These roads are national assets, for the use of the people of South Africa, not a commodity which can be used to make profits at our great expense.
“The federation will continue to campaign for an efficient, safe and affordable system of public transport.” Cosatu says scrapping the e-tolls will remain its basic demand.
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