The Congress of South African Trade Unions and the South African Communist Party in Mpumalanga will be leading protest actions to fight against the exorbitant toll fees in both the N17 and N4 Toll roads. The two (2) left formations will be leading the protest actions to raise the plight of our road users amidst the extreme economic downturn and high levels of unemployment. The two left axis will be leading the actions to fight and demand for the following:
- To fight for accessible, affordable, and reliable transport and roads for all.
- To fight for reduction by at least 50% of expensive toll fees which will be affordable to all road users.
- To fight for the total control of the state for our national roads and the abolishment of concessions or third parties to increase revenue for our state, advance service delivery and road maintenance.
- That communities who live next to the toll roads and are regular users to and from their workplaces must be exempted from paying toll fees.
- Public transport and other regular users must be cross subsidies to alleviate the burden to commuters and other dependants.
- That the social labour plans by the road agencies must produce beneficial results for the surrounding communities for them to can sustain their livelihood to create jobs and alleviate poverty.
The protest actions are scheduled to take place as follows:
Date : 28 March 2023
Time : 10h00
In the following Toll plazas
- Trichardt Plaza(N17)
- Ermelo Plaza (N17)
- Nkomazi Plaza (N4)
- Middelburg Plaza (N4)
- Machadodorp Plaza (N4)
- Malelane Plaza
These protests are informed by failure of the TRAC management to find time to meet with us as we were hoping to reach a common understanding with them. This deliberate refusal proves to us that this company does not care about the plight of the people; they are hell-bent on putting profits before the people.
The main protest will be directed to Machadodorp Toll plaza due to it being the most expensive toll plaza country wide charging a hooping R112.00 for an ordinary Sedan.
We therefore call on all our social partners including the taxi industry to join the protests and also fight for their rights to use these roads without monetary heavy burden imposed on them by TRAC.
The joint media briefing will be conducted on the 27 March 2023 at 14h00 in COSATU House Witbank whereby all media houses are invited to be appraised of the details of the planned actions.
ISSUED BY : COSATU MPUMALANGA
Provincial Secretary
Cde Thabo Mokoena
Mobile 073 750 2041
SACP MPUMALANGA
Provincial Secretary
Cde Lucky Mbuyane
Mobile: 082 351 5804.