Tariffs for the controversial e-tolling system have been suspended until further notice, but the final implementation date for the system, 23 June, still remains.
The decision was announced after a meeting between transport minister Sibusiso Ndebele and Gauteng premier Nomvula Mokonyane yesterday.
Mokonyane had expressed the provincial government's concern over the pricing structure of the system.
The fees were set at 66c/km for standard motor vehicles. This pricing resulted in the division of the ANC and outrage from opposition parties, trade unions, business and citizens.
For these reasons, Ndebele says the department decided to further engage on the matter. As part of this engagement, a meeting took place yesterday where Mokonyane and Ndebele agreed on the principle of tolling, but decided to suspend the gazetted fees.
Loan repayment
“Government re-iterates its commitment to fully honouring the terms of the loan agreement for this transaction,” says Ndebele.
He adds that the department will also engage with the investors to keep them in the loop and assure them that it remains fully committed to the repayment of the R20 billion loan for the Gauteng Freeway Improvement Project.
A task team comprising representatives from the Department of Transport, the South African National Roads Agency (Sanral) and the Gauteng provincial government will be set up to review the entire financial model on which the transaction was based, says the minister.
He explains that this will be done with a view to explore various options in order to reduce the impact of the cost on road users.
The task team is expected to come up with firm recommendations as soon as possible and apart from this there is no expected date for the reimplementation of the tariff structure as yet.
“South Africans can rest assured that government is doing everything possible to resolve this matter in a manner that will be in the best interest of the commuter, road user and the state for future development and management of our road infrastructure in the whole country,” says Ndebele.
Travel alternatives
“A structured process of engagement and consultation will be developed. We will shortly announce the task team members, as well as the programme of action. We will also announce the process for inputs from members of the public on the cost structure, financial model and options,” says Ndebele.
In a media briefing yesterday, Gauteng MEC for transport Ismail Vadi said the full operation of the Gautrain is sorely needed.
The Gautrain, from Tshwane to Johannesburg and back, will be fully operational by 1 July and Vadi said it will provide commuters travelling those routes with greater choice.
“Gautrain must promote the use of public transport. Therefore, I am in discussions with the Gautrain Management Agency to ensure the train fares are competitive and affordable.”
Vadi intends to announce the details of the fares early next month.
“The department remains committed to the provision of a reliable, safe, affordable and accessible public transport system, coupled with an effective roads infrastructure.”
Cautious relief
The Congress of South African Trade Union's national spokesperson, Patrick Craven, says the union is still wary of the situation.
“We're pleased, but it's only a suspension. We have to remain mobilised and we will participate in the public debates.”
He adds that the union will hold off its reaction until it knows if a satisfactory final solution has been reached.
Priority option
Democratic Alliance (DA) spokesperson for roads and transport in Gauteng Neil Campbell says the DA is elated at the suspension of the fees.
“We acknowledge the role that the Gauteng premier, Nomvula Makonyane, and Gauteng MEC of roads and transport, Ismail Vadi, played in convincing the minister that the public would suffer unduly if the tolls were introduced at planned levels.
“This is a victory for democracy and for members of the public.”
Campbell says the official opposition party is pleased with the chance for public debate and consultation. “I urge him [Ndebele] to include all interested and affected parties.”
The spokesperson also says copious public participation should be encouraged by the minister, who should be open and transparent in sharing all suggestions on how to pay for the highway upgrades, while least hurting the pocket of the motoring public.
Business Unity SA has also welcomed the opportunity for further engagement on the matter. It says it is already consulting its members to investigate ways that will lead to constructive consultation that will not exacerbate unemployment, or worsen the quality of life of poorer South Africans.
“Innovative and novel methods of funding are possible if the powers that be are prepared to listen to ideas,” says Campbell.
He adds that at the top of the list should be a dedicated road fund so that funds collected from motorists are used to maintain the road infrastructure.
Campbell also says the implementation date of the e-tolling system remains. “Only the tariff structure has been suspended but other than that it's all systems go.”
He notes that government has only about four months to come up with a new plan, but there are workable options that can be implemented within that timeframe.
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