Government, under the leadership of Deputy President Kgalema Motlanthe, on Friday met with religious leaders representing the South Africa Council of Churches and the South African Catholic Bishops' Conference (SACBC) to discuss the religious leaders’ concerns in relation to the Gauteng Freeway Improvement Project (GFIP).

The meeting, which was requested by Motlanthe, followed appeals by the SACBC for government to abandon the project and for motorists to refuse to buy e-tags for the controversial e-tolling system.

“While we understand the rationale behind the GFIP, we are concerned about public perceptions surrounding it, as well as the impact of the toll roads on the poor,” said the grouping of religious leaders, who were led by Bishop Abel Gabuza and Dr Andre Bartlett.

While government acknowledged the SACBC's concerns, it reiterated that these had been adequately addressed following prior consultation with various stakeholders.

“Government has made a number of concessions, including the reduction of tariffs, the exemption of public transport vehicles, capping the monthly rates and upgrades to alternative roads,” the Presidency said in a statement.