If you live in Gauteng you will be aware of the fact that the government has spent the last few years upgrading the highways. While I praise the government for upgrading the national roads around Gauteng I abhor the way they are going about paying for it. As of February 2012 all highway users will need to have an electronic tag and will be charged 40c per kilometre travelled on the highways.
A public road should be just that, public; a service that is available to all and not a chance for business to make millions off the public.
Private companies stand to gain millions from the average South African worker as they benefit from the tolls. I would not have a problem with this if we had a reduction in our taxes to cover for our payments in the tolls.
As it is the average taxpayer receives very little in return for the amount paid. Many South Africans pay for private health care, private security and private schooling. If we cannot drive on our roads for free then what is the government actually providing?
The Congress of South African Trade Unions (COSATU) has issued a call for all South African's to boycott the tolling system. This would mean that we do not buy the e-tag, we drive through the toll gantry, refuse to pay the toll, refuse to pay the fine, refuse to appear in court and challenge the government to arrest us all. I think COSATU has made a good call here and I would love to do it, but I fear that I do not have the courage. I know that we need to stand up to our government and demand accountability but up till now I have done nothing myself.
Is now the time to stand up and have my voice heard by engaging in civil disobedience? What will you do?
