There is no future for e-tolls - Cosatu

Johannesburg – The Congress of South African Trade Unions (Cosatu) says it is done marching to stop e-tolls and the next time the issue comes up, the federation wants to hear when government plans to “scrap” the system.

This is according to general secretary Bheki Ntshalintshali, who was speaking at the nation-wide strike for decent work conditions, in Johannesbrug, on Friday. The march coincides with World Day for Decent Work.

“People hate e-tolls. We won't march again for e-tolls. Next time we want to hear when e-tolls will be scrapped,” said Ntshalintshali. Throughout the day, Cosatu reiterated that it has consistently demanded an efficient, reliable, affordable, subsidised and integrated public transport system.

Cosatu called for government to scrap e-tolls completely. Saying that “tomorrow is too late”and it should be done immediately. The federation plans to meet the Department of Transport in Gauteng on the 7^th of next month to receive feedback.”

READ: Cosatu hits out at Pityana, Basson and e-tolls at in peaceful protests

The union said that workers did not ask for e-tolls and should not have to pay for them and that they were prepared to physically tear them down from highways.

Gauteng MEC of Transport Ismail Vadi said that the federation was welcome to come and raise their issues. "The doors are open to you. You don't have to break them down," he said.

One of the issues relating to public transport was that it is not safe and unreliable. Workers are often penalised by their employers for being late or absent.

Mugwena Maluleka, general secretary of the South African Democratic teachers Union (Sadtu), said that employers should charge Vadi for the absenteeism.

Vadi responded by asking the federation to work with the department to develop a solution for better public transport.

Vadi added that workers should not be punished for being late if poor public transport is the reason.

Gauteng MEC of Finance, Barbara Creecy, who represented Premier David Makhura and Gauteng Treasury said that the department has done all it could on a provincial level by introducing a discount to e-tolls. She added that the province was prepared to partner with the federation in taking the issue to higher, national authorities.

Ntshalintshali also said that the Chamber of Mines should play an active role in helping to find better solutions for public transport as workers in their industry were impacted the most.

The Chamber of Mines receives the memorandum. @Fin24 pic.twitter.com/T8BTxscBqb

— lameez omarjee (@LameezOmarjee) October 7, 2016