The Congress of South African Trade Unions in Mpumalanga is deeply shocked and condemns in the strongest possible terms, the insensible and deplorable toll-fee price increases contemplated by the road agency (TRAC) and Department of Roads and Transport. This is amidst extreme poverty, inflation and high levels of unemployment, with most of workers not receiving any considerable salary increases. Toll fees have become unacceptably exorbitant with the highest increase being that of Machadodorp toll Plaza which charges a whopping R112, 00 for an ordinary sedan vehicle.

As the Federation we are of the view that these absurd increments are both malicious and out of touch with the prevailing material factors that the most vulnerable members of our communities and workers are subjected to on a regular basis, brought by adverse effects of the economic downturn and result of load shedding. 

As the Federation of workers, we are making the following clarion calls:

Ø  That the contemplated toll-fee price hikes are brought to a complete halt and scrapped off immediately. 

Ø  That affordable, accessible, and reliable transport and roads are available for use by all.

Ø  That processes of engagements are initiated with the goal of finding amicable means to alleviate the impact of this mess.

Failure to which, a concerted campaign will be directed to the various toll plazas to defend our road users against these precarious conditions meted out against them.

Issued by COSATU Mpumalanga

Thabo Mokoena (Provincial Secretary)

Mobile 0737502041