In a landmark decision that closes one of South Africa’s most bitterly contested chapters in transport governance, Cabinet has formally approved the write-off of all outstanding and unpaid e-toll debt, freeing millions of Gauteng motorists from billions of rands in accumulated penalties and fees. The move effectively buries the controversial Gauteng Freeway Improvement Project (GFIP) scheme, which sparked widespread civil disobedience, legal battles, and political backlash since its introduction over a decade ago.
Announcing the decision on Wednesday, Transport Minister Sindisiwe Chikunga confirmed that all outstanding balances—estimated at over R11 billion—would be erased with immediate effect. “The e-toll system became a symbol of disconnection between the state and the people it serves,” Chikunga told reporters in Tshwane. “Today, we choose to close that painful chapter and rebuild trust through accountability and better-funded alternatives.”
The original e-tolling system, launched in 2013, was designed to recover costs for upgrading major freeways around Johannesburg and Pretoria. However, widespread resistance from motorists, lobby groups, and political parties—including the EFF and Democratic Alliance—led to mass non-payment, with compliance rates dropping to less than 30%. Successive court rulings and public inquiries upheld the debt’s legality, but enforcement proved politically untenable.
Under the new plan, motorists will no longer face blocked vehicle license renewals or legal summons related to past e-toll bills. Already settled payments will not be refunded, but future road funding will shift toward fuel levy contributions and increased budget allocations. Sanral, the roads agency, will decommission gantries and retrain staff.
Civil rights organisation OUTA welcomed the write-off as a victory for “the people’s refusal to accept an unfair system.” However, some economists warned that the write-off sets a risky precedent. For now, Gauteng motorists are simply celebrating the end of a long, bitter standoff.
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