Communities slam organisations as toll relief process stalls

Anger and frustration are mounting in Pretoria’s northern suburbs and the Moot as residents demand immediate relief at tollgates.

The negotiation process between community representatives, Bakwena and the South African National Roads Agency (SANRAL) on toll fees on the N1 and N4 routes paid at tollgates has been stalling.

The tollgates give access to suburbs in the Moot and Pretoria North.

Six weeks after community representatives’ most recent meeting with Bakwena and the agency, the residents feel these organisations are deliberately stalling on proposals they have made.

They are accusing Bakwena and the agency of hiding behind legal language and delaying real relief.

“This is classic delay tactics,” said a resident. “They say it is about software updates or concession terms. But we know it is about profit. They are stalling to keep making money.”

Community members argue they are still being financially punished with no alternatives and accuse the two organisations of hiding behind bureaucratic justifications and empty promises.

“For years, we have been paying through the nose to access roads that used to be free,” said one resident, who asked to remain anonymous.

“This is double-dipping. We pay income tax, property tax, petrol levies, and then we get slapped with toll fees too. Other areas in Pretoria are not burdened like this. Why us?”

The heart of the grievance lies with the placement of three toll plazas, Stormvoël, Zambezi, and Doornpoort, which affect thousands of daily commuters in suburbs such as East Lynne, Waverley, Môregloed, Sinoville, Montana, Magalieskruin and Doornpoort.

Residents argue that these tolls are not only exorbitant but disproportionately affect working-class families in the Moot and north of the city.

“It is not just unfair. It is oppressive. You cannot avoid these tolls unless you want to spend hours on back roads. We pay thousands of rands a month per household, while wealthier suburbs to the east and south drive toll-free,” said another resident.

Frustration boiled over weeks after the recent community meeting late in June, where attendees called for immediate toll relief or the removal of the plazas entirely.

Some proposed moving the tollgates further along the N1 and N4, or that tollgates should also be placed at off-ramps such as those at Atterbury, Rigel, Nelmapius and John Vorster Drive.

Residents protesting the tollgates to the north feel these areas are perceived to be wealthier and better able to absorb the cost.

“There is no logic or fairness here,” said a resident of Montana. “Why only us? The truth is, these tollgates are a cash cow and Bakwena knows it.”

Residents also reject claims that toll fees are justified by improved infrastructure. Many argue that the road existed long before tolling began, and that their right to access it freely has been taken away without consultation or compensation.

“The N1 was here before 1990. I have lived here for over 30 years,” said another resident. “We used that road when it was just a highway, and now they have monetised it and called it progress. They claim we benefit from development, but we were here before the tollgates.”

Criticism has also been directed at the lack of promised discounts and safety concerns on the tolled roads.

Residents point to the long-standing commitment made during the failed e-toll era: a maximum of R500 per household per month would be paid for the use of the road and the tollgates.

“That R500 cap was supposed to be guaranteed, but it was never implemented,” one resident explained. “Now they pretend it never existed.”

Others raised issues of inconsistency across the tolling system.

“They have discounted tags at Grasmere Toll Plaza south of Johannesburg for people living in those districts,” said another commuter.

“It proves that this is possible. The fact that we are under Bakwena and not SANRAL directly should not matter. Bakwena is their management agent. If it can be done elsewhere, it can be done here.”

Safety on the toll roads is another major concern.

Residents have long flagged broken lights and crime hotspots, especially between Stormvoël and Zambezi, where vehicle spiking incidents have occurred.

“It is dangerous to travel here after dark,” a Doornpoort motorist noted. “The lights have been out for over two years in some sections, exactly where these spikes happen. Bakwena says it is not their responsibility. That is a joke. If you charge money for a road, you take responsibility for making it safe.”

Residents dismissed Bakwena’s explanation that it has no law enforcement authority.

“That is just a convenient excuse,” one commuter said. “A responsible company would hire private security, fix the lights or find alternatives. Instead, they offer excuses while raking in the profits.”

In response to the outcry, Bakwena spokesperson Solomon Kganyago said the toll operator has been in active discussions with community representatives.

“Bakwena, in partnership with SANRAL, has engaged meaningfully with the Tshwane North Toll Relief Forum on April 23, May 22 and June 24 to address concerns related to toll charges on the N1 and N4 routes,” Kganyago said. “We are currently evaluating a proposal for daily commuters using the Stormvoël, Zambezi and Doornpoort plazas.”

Kganyago acknowledged the lack of viable alternative routes, but said that responsibility lies with the local municipality.

He added that Bakwena is reviewing current discount structures and is committed to finding a workable solution. “Discounts currently include social, local and public transport categories. We are actively assessing how these could be optimised within our concession and regulatory requirements.”

On infrastructure concerns, Kganyago said, “Bakwena takes road safety seriously. While we lack law enforcement authority, our patrols regularly assist motorists and clear hazards. Theft of over 120 lighting fixtures has impacted safety. Investigations are underway, and repairs are being prioritised.”

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