E-tolling is the people's enemy

What comes to mind on the topic of e-tolling is an evident shortage of balanced views. Perhaps that speaks to how divisive an issue e-tolling has become not only to Gauteng residents but to the country as a whole. It is clear that on this matter people come from different social and class realities that inform their respective views.But was it not in dispute is that congregation on our highways is a reality, and unless addressed properly, Gauteng will come to a standstill in a few short years. It is also indisputable that less congestion in highways means less fuel consumption and fewer green house gas emissions.

However, the pertinent question is whether e-tolling is the solution to the problem. I think not. Firstly, are politicians, the very people behind taxing us for using Gauteng highways, prepared to pay a cent from their own pockets for using the same roads as the rest of us?Gauteng premier Nomvula Mokonyane was quick to register her official car for e-tag. It is not the taxpayers that will foot politicians' travel bill? How greedy and how self serving are they?

Picture: Itumeleng English

It is not disconcerting that politicians already earn hefty salaries, yet some cant resist stealing from the public purse to pay what they claim to be fair and reasonable e-toll tariffs?

This is too controversial and provide enough reasons to shelve the e-tolling idea. To suggest this project will go ahead against our will is asking for trouble. On this issue, i support Cosatu 100%. There are many things that we are not happy with as far as the government's performance is concerned.

What the government needs to do is role out Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) across all townships, invest in a viable public transport system equivalent  to those of the European cities on which Gauteng e-toll are modelled and invest in building and renovating alternative roads to the freeways. Zwelinzima Vavi is not the enemy, e-tolling is the enemy.