Outa criticises government for delays in scrapping e-tolls

The Organisation Undoing Tax Abuse (Outa) hit out at the government for falling behind on plans to scrap e-tolls.

The switch-off date for the controversial user-pay system is yet to be finalized, despite previous commitments.

While National Treasury agreed to pay 70% of the bill, it’s believed the Gauteng provincial government is yet secure the remaining amount.

The total amount owed to the South African National Roads Agency (Sanral) exceeds R47 billion.

Outa’s Wayne Duvenage said they were also in the dark about progress.

“We’ve written to the Minister [of Finance], we’ve written to the [Gauteng] Premier, we’ve engaged with Sanral and quite frankly people aren’t paying. I think it’s less than 10%. Those that are paying don’t mind because the companies are making money out of the scheme – they charge administration fees to their customers, and they don’t apply the limit.

“But 90% or more of the public couldn’t give a damn. They know they’re not going to get prosecuted; they know there are no ramifications or consequences.”

-EWN

In other news – Interesting things to know about Thembinkosi Lorch’s ex-girlfriend, Nokuphiwa Mathithibala

South African soccer star who plays for Orlando Pirates and Bafana Bafana, Thembinkosi Lorch made headlines on Tuesday, 6 June, when he was found guilty of assaulting his ex-girlfriend Nokuphiwa Mathithibala.

The former couple made headlines in September 2020 when Sunday World reported that Lorch was arrested for physically assaulting Mathithibala. Lorch – who currently shares a one-year-old baby with actress Natasha Thahane – was arrested on 7 September 2020 and granted immediate bail in the amount of R2 000. Learn More