Forgive me for being ignorant on this matter, but I do not think this is how democracy works; especially if there is no logical explanation why the public needs to pay e-tolling.
Since the introduction of the concept of urban tolling, the public and other stakeholders opposed the system from pretty much day one. Instead of coming up with logical arguments why the system is the best way to go about collecting funds to ‘maintain’ the new improved freeways, government has simply brushed off every counter argument with what seemed to be disrespectful.
The public was labelled, spoiled, told the system was like paying for public toilets and when attempting to give a reasonable explanation, “We have debt to pay.”
All this time there has never been a logical explanation why urban tolling is our best option. Considering there were possibilities of using the fuel levy to help assist in paying back the debt and possibility of accumulating funds to maintain the roads in future; the implementation of e-tolls is not really viable.
While e-tolling would work well with an alternative public transport structure, Gauteng does not have the infrastructure to offer alternative transportation. Even more worrying is the ‘bully’ stance government seems to have.
E-tolling is more than an unjust system; it paints a picture of a government that seeks to squash a South African Dream; a dream which includes and protects the interests of every South African and not of a single demographic.
This calls for the public to wake up and realise, they do not deserve a government that manipulates them by threats, or a government that disrespects their views… We deserve a government that serves and listens.
