As new transport minister Fikile Mbalula settles into his new position, the e-toll issue should top his agenda, says the Organisation Undoing Tax Abuse (Outa).
“Since 2008 South Africa has had seven transport ministers, none of whom have been able to deal with some of the most pressing transport issues,” says Outa CEO Wayne Duvenage.
“By pulling the plug on this failed scheme the minister will show his commitment to dealing with irrational decisions that have haunted this department in the past. Aside from the e-toll scheme he will have to address the outstanding matter of the Administrative Adjudication of Road Traffic Offences (Aarto) Amendment Bill which is pending the president's signature.”
Duvenage says Outa has written to the president with a request to engage with civil society before signing the Aarto bill into law.
He also believes he should tackle the growing problem of road death fatalities, which none of the previous ministers was able to tackle. “South Africa was party to the UN Decade of Action on Road Safety almost a decade ago but our road fatality rate has remained high and compares to some of the worst globally.
“We also hope that Minister Mbalula will bring in advisors with experience and expertise in transport management, as government officials often make the mistake of receiving input from people who support their preconceived views on matters, ignoring meaningful input from others.”
