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Johannesburg - There is no "clash" between Transport Minister Sibusiso Ndebele and Gauteng premier Nomvula Mokonyane over the new toll system, government spokesperson Jimmy Manyi said on Monday.
"Government remains committed to a public transport network that is efficient and sustainable," Manyi said.
"It is in this context that a meeting between Minister
Ndebele and premier Mokonyane will take place on Tuesday February 22 2011,
focusing on the tollgate system in Gauteng.
In her state of the province address on Monday, Mokonyane said she would meet Ndebele over the toll system, which has drawn widespread criticism, on Tuesday.
Mokonyane acknowledged that there had been a "lack of consultation" in the implementation of the system.
"We have observed with serious concerns the announcement on the implementation of the tolling strategy which has been made in isolation from a comprehensive, viable, public transport plan and with a lack of consultation, in particular with the Gauteng provincial government," she said.
"We support the need for public consultation and the need for an affordable, reliable and safe public transport system, including the use of tolling as a cost recovery mechanism."
Manyi was responding to a front page story published in the Sunday Independent, headlined ANC Heavyweights Clash over Toll Charges.
The report said Mokonyane had thrown her weight behind the ANC in Gauteng, which also criticised the tolling system.
