The Opposition to Urban Tolling Alliance (Outa) is on track regarding its quest to appeal the North Gauteng High Court's decision sanctioning a green light for the controversial Gauteng e-tolling project, and plans to continue its legal battle against government stakeholders.
This follows a decision by High Court judge Louis Vorster on 13 December that, despite an extensive public outcry and Outa's assertion that due process was not followed, the Gauteng e-tolling project is legal and open road tolling across the province will go ahead early this year.
Outa, which subsequently sought mandates from its members to appeal, has until Wednesday to submit a leave to appeal to the court - the first step in the judicial process. The civil society body said last week it was necessary to appeal the judgment "to vindicate and protect the rule of law".
Technicalities talk
According to Outa committee member Mark Corcoran, the alliance will hold its first important meeting in moving on an appeal this afternoon, with its attorneys.
Although the holiday season proved problematic, with access to senior players within member organisations a challenge, Corcoran says - with "the sand out of everyone's shoes" - Outa can now get down to the issue at hand.
"Basically, it is a question of making sure all is in order. Everything is on track and Outa still plans to appeal. We are meeting with our attorneys to finalise the mandates and check technicalities. We need to be certain that the various organisations have the correct mandates from their memberships and understand where everyone stands - it's a matter of dotting the 'I's and crossing the 'T's."
Unflagging support
Meanwhile, despite the distraction of seasonal festivities, Outa continues to see widespread support, which is largely evident via social media sites like Twitter and Facebook.
A post in Facebook community group: "1 million motorists refuse to pay eTolls", this morning alludes to Outa's pending appeal and today's proceedings: "Go for it guys - we're all behind you. If Outa fails, plan B - mass civil disobedience - will be the only course of action."
Outa's post, on 22 December, announcing it was considering an appeal of the High Court's decision also elicited a response in support of the notion, with a number of Facebook users pledging financial support: "I will continue donating my R600/month to you to voice my opinions through Outa. I say Go for it!!!" (sic)
"Will def donate, thank you for representing the people of SA...amazing job." (sic)
"Just deposited my money and I very seldom use the highways, maybe once a month. But it is a pleasure to contribute to Outa for taking a stand on our behalf. Thank you." (sic)
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