The Congress of South African Trade Unions (Cosatu) says it will not back the ANC’s plans to continue with the controversial e-tolls system.<\/p>\n
In a statement on Wednesday (13 November), the group likened the proposed ‘user pays’ system to the pay-as-you-go system used by cellular companies, adding that the ANC led government is not a private company and it is duty-bound to provide services to the people, including quality roads.<\/p>\n
“Minister Mbalula promised us a process that will come out with a solution and it is astounding that Luthuli House is already telling us the outcomes of the process that is yet to start.<\/p>\n
“This is a sign of arrogance and it also shows that some of the people entrusted with leadership positions are out of touch with reality,” it said.<\/p>\n
“Cosatu Gauteng reiterates its long-standing position that building of roads is the responsibility of government and the people of Gauteng contributes through tax and fuel levy for this to be possible.”<\/p>\n
The trade federation added that the ruling party stands to lose more votes if it continues with the unpopular toll scheme.<\/p>\n
“The ANC should also appreciate that the people of Gauteng voted them in power on the 8th of May 2019 with the understanding that e-tolls will be scrapped.<\/p>\n
“The latest statement is a slap in the face for all those who were promised that the solution will be found that does not include punishing motorists in this province.<\/p>\n
“This political zig-zagging and policy flip-flopping are the reasons the ANC has lost 12% of the electoral support over the last decade in the province.”<\/p>\n
Cosatu said it will mobilise its Gauteng members, non-governmental organisations and business sympathetic to its call to scrap the e-tolls by closing all the toll roads in Gauteng.<\/p>\n
“We further call all motorists in Gauteng to continue to boycott paying e-toll accounts including the 30% that is currently paying,” it said.<\/p>\n