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The Congress of South African Trade Unions has noted yesterday’s statement by the Gauteng Freeway Improvement Project (GFIP) Steering Committee recommending a small reduction in the proposed road tolls in Gauteng, from 66c/kilometre to 40c for light vehicles.

These minimal reductions however in no way meet COSATU’s objections to the imposition of these road tolls and urge the Minister of Transport to reject the recommendation.

The federation is shocked by the assertion by George Mahlalela, Transport Director-General and Chairperson of the Steering Committee, that “the principle of tolling has been accepted”, and that the issue is now only the amount of the tolls to make them more affordable. Accepted by whom? There has been virtually no consultation, only one public meeting. COSATU has never been consulted on these tolls and remains adamantly opposed to the principle.

As our affiliate SATAWU says, the tolls will impose a huge additional burden on road users, and hand over grotesque profits to those who will benefit from this system. It will have a devastating effect on workers who have no alternative but to drive to work because of the lack of a proper public transport system, and will lead to big price increases in the shops to cover the increased cost of transporting goods.

COSATU welcomes and supports SATAWU’s plans for marches, demonstrations, pickets and stayaways, and promises that the entire federation will be marching with them. We are confident that thousands of other Gauteng residents will be joining in these protests as well.

The federation has issued a notice under Section 77 of the Labour Relations Act and will definitely be taking strike action if the tolls are not scrapped.