Gauteng Premier David Makhura says he will engage President Cyril Ramaphosa to try and find a way forward on the current impasse around e-tolls in the province.
The majority of motorists have refused to pay e-tolls since the system was introduced about five years ago.
After being elected Premier, Makhura set up an advisory panel which recommended a reduced e-toll tariff, but this too was rejected by most in the province.
Delivering the State of the Province Address in Johannesburg, Makhura re-iterated that the user-pay system has failed.
“We all know that the e-tolls have added to the cost of living for many motorists and public transport users in our province. It is loud and clear for all to see that the e-tolls have not worked.”
“I will engage President Cyril Ramaphosa in order to find a new and more equitable funding model to support the continued expansion of Gauteng’s road networks and public transport system.”
He also vowed to speedily implement the findings of the Life Esidimeni Arbitration hearings once released by retired deputy Chief Justice Dikgang Moseneke.
The hearings into the deaths of 144 mentally ill patients after they were transferred to ill-equipped NGOs ended earlier this month and the findings are expected to be released in a few weeks.
The Premier repeated his stance that although he did not approve the unlawful transfer of patients from Life Esidimeni, he takes full responsibility for the tragedy.
“I am totally committed to take corrective and remedial action to ensure that this never happens again. I have made a public commitment that I will work tirelessly with the families to ensure that those who are criminally liable, as determined by the relevant law enforcement agencies, are prosecuted so that the course of justice is served.”
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