By: Natasha Archary

Gauteng Premier Panyaza Lesufi says e-Tolls in the province will now be scrapped in March, after initially assuring motorists the tolls would be put to another use by December 2023.
During his State of the Province Address (SOPA) 2024, Lesufi once again assured Gauteng motorists that the tolls which were “born out of sin”, because the public was not consulted before the tolls were put into place, would be a thing of the past come March
“Last year, we assured the people of Gauteng that e-tolls would be a thing of the past. I am happy to report that on the 26th of January 2024 a final meeting was held between the Gauteng provincial government and the ministers of finance and transport, respectively.
We have been able to find common ground on issues related to user-pay principle quantum of GFIP debt, quantum of sunken CAPEX costs, CAPEX obligation of the province, yearly maintenance costs of GFIP 1, repurposing of gantries, repayment of SANRAL GFIP 1 debt and the future funding of GFIP 2 and 3.
From where we sit as the province, we remain confident that we should be able end e-toll by March 2024.”
Panyaza Lesufi said e-Tolls would be scrapped in March 2024 during his SOPA 2024 speech
In October 2022, Finance Minister, Enoch Godongwana says government will absorb the R47 billion SANRAL debt which was brought on by e-tolls.
While Lesufi welcomed the decision to scrap the tolls, he did stress that a small portion of the debt will need to be accounted for, which Gauteng taxpayers will likely be responsible for.
“We will consult the people of Gauteng on how this 30% should be funded. We don’t want to make the same mistake of imposing a model. So, we will run a consultative conference with people of Gauteng on how best to settle this 30%.”Panyaza Lesufi on the portion of the e-toll debt which will need to be funded.Gauteng Premier Panyaza Lesufi on the portion of debt from e-Tolls that still needs to be accounted for
However, the DA says Lesufi has no proper plan in place to deal with the issue, claiming the Premier is still battling to find a financial model for the replacement of e-Tolls.
The DA has submitted questions to the Gauteng MEC for Roads and Transport, Kedione Diale, to ascertain the progress in finding a financial model to service the e-Toll debt.
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