Communities mobilise ahead of toll fee meeting
The upcoming meeting on May 22 is seen as a critical juncture for residents seeking relief from the financial strain of toll fees. Community members are hopeful that their collective voice, amplified through the petition and ongoing advocacy, will lead to tangible changes in toll fee structures.
Residents of Pretoria North and surrounding areas are intensifying their campaign against escalating toll fees, with a pivotal meeting scheduled for May 22 between the South African National Roads Agency (Sanral), Bakwena and community representatives.
The meeting aims to address grievances over the financial burden imposed by daily toll charges on local commuters.
In anticipation of this meeting, the DA has launched a petition urging Sanral and Bakwena to implement a discount structure for daily commuters using the Doornpoort, Zambezi, Stormvoël, Wallmannsthal, and Pumulani toll plazas.
According to the petition, 65% of the local community relies on these toll gates daily for commuting to work, with no real alternative routes available.
Residents argue that, unlike other communities, they do not receive any toll concessions despite being captive users of this infrastructure.
“The community members are angry about the unfair treatment regarding toll gates in these areas,” said Lydia Raath, a local activist.
“Some households have up to three vehicles using these tollgates, without getting any discount. The community feels ‘toll gates must fall’. Why are we paying to enter or exit our residential areas? Why are these roads not funded like all other roads?”
Residents argue these fees are an added financial burden, draining already overstretched families of every rand.
Bronwynn Engelbrecht, MPL and DA constituency head for Pretoria North, emphasised the impact on local communities:
“Thousands of residents from Montana, Doornpoort, Sinoville, Kameeldrift, Roodeplaat, and neighbouring communities are forced to use toll gates daily when commuting to and from work and accessing essential services such as schools, which is an added financial burden, draining already overstretched families of every rand,” Engelbrecht said.
She feels Gauteng Premier Panyaza Lesufi’s government does not care about their plight, denying them their right to access opportunities.
“Lesufi’s government has created an economy where the cost of going to work is becoming more expensive than the reward of working, a cruel irony that is choking the lifeblood of our province.”
The DA is calling on Premier Lesufi to urgently engage with Sanral and Bakwena to address this issue by discounting these affected residents for paying toll gates.
“This will make it easier for affected residents to earn a living without incurring additional toll gate fees,” Engelbrecht added.
“The DA Gauteng stands with these affected communities. Let us not allow tolling to become a tool of exclusion and poverty. It is time for Bakwena and Sanral to put people before profit.”
To sign the petition against the tolling system, click this link: bit.ly/43lvyWS
To hear more about the petition:
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