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The South African Chamber of Commerce and Industry (SACCI) welcomes the withdrawal of the controversial Transport Laws and Related Matters Amendment Bill (a.k.a. the e-toll bill) as it is a sign that government is taking note of, and acting on public views. However, an equitable way must be found to finance the improvements to the roads when the debate resumes in February next year.

The grievances aired against the e-toll system by a variety of social partners are in large part due to the lack of transparency and disregard for proper procedure. The fact that a substantial percentage of the e-toll fees would go to the administrative cost of the system is unacceptable and suggests that a more efficient revenue-collecting model needs to be found. SACCI supports the user-pay principle in this regard.  

The withdrawal and delay in adopting a final position on the e-toll reflects on the political sensitivity of the issue. A further implication of this is that the current model will remain unpopular. This suggests that it will be politically expedient to explore workable alternative models rather than to enforce the current one.

SACCI has prepared a position on broad international best practices in infrastructure development, and the application of these principles to the GFIP shows that it fails in most areas like administering a cost-reflective tariff. SACCI will submit these principles to stakeholders and government in order to heighten the level and sophistication of the debate.

SACCI also welcomes the outcome that business will no longer be disrupted from 30 November to 7 December by rallies, marches, demonstrations and pickets.