The bell tolls for the ANC

PERHAPS those believed that the advisory panel would scrap e-tolls were living in Cloud Cuckoo Land. This is clearly something to which the ANC – for whatever reason – is almost suicidally committed. The panel report made all the right noises about rethinking things to alleviate the burden on the poor and have a more equitable funding system.

However, in promising to turn off gantries close to disadvantaged areas and to lower the tolls themselves (not to mention scrapping the penalty fees, both existing and future), the ANC will probably not be able to bring an end to the ongoing revolt over payment.

Ironically, many are now saying the same thing President Jacob Zuma said of Nkandla: I didn’t ask for it so why should I pay for it?

The report has also effectively shot the ANC and Sanral in the foot by conceding that future funding of infrastructure across the country will have to include fuel levies – something critics of e-tolling have been calling for. This is an acknowledgement that the touted “user pays” principle is a scam.

Likewise, suggestions that funding be raised by taking portions of licence fees, taxes on tyres and even freeway advertising revenue are further confirmation that the “user pays” principle is not appropriate.

So, why prolong the agony? Admit that you got it wrong. Apologise and introduce a fuel levy of between 15 and 20 cents per litre (which will be more than enough to meet the financial commitments of the freeway project).

We don’t think half-hearted measures are going to make things better. They may make things worse.

This is more than just e-tolls now. It is about citizens standing up for themselves.

The ANC ignores that at its peril.