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South Africa is one of the first countries to introduce interoperability of the electronic toll system. Since September 2012, the Gauteng e-tags can be used on the N1/N4 network which is managed by SANRAL’s concessionaire, Bakwena Platinum Corridor.

QUESTIONS ABOUT IMPLEMENTATION

NOTE: the new toll tariffs and discounts are only applicable to the Gauteng e-roads, other toll plaza fee structures remain the same.

Q When will the New Dispensation become effective?

A win-win solution has been reached on the Gauteng e-toll system that will bring relief for road users affected by rising transport costs. The revised e-tolls tariff structure and simplifi ed methods of payment are among the key features of a new e-toll dispensation system to be introduced in the province over the next 18 months.

Responsibility for the planning, construction, management and maintenance of this sprawling network is entrusted to the South African National Roads Agency (SOC) Ltd. SANRAL was established in April 1998 by an Act of Parliament as an independent state owned entity to operate South Africa’s national road network. It is a public company with share capital within the requirements of the South African Companies Act and governed by a board of eight members. The Minister of Transport is the sole shareholder of SANRAL representing government.

‘New dispensation’ on e-tolls will reduce costs for all road users

Changes to the Gauteng e-toll system will reduce the fi nancial burden on commuters but also ensure that the province’s world-class highway network is funded and adequately maintained in the future.

Motorist outside Gauteng will benefit greatly from a special feature in the new e-toll dispensation which offers 30 free gantry passes a year to infrequent users of the province’s e-roads.

“This will bring great relief to people who only travel to Gauteng occasionally, perhaos for a wedding, a funeral or an annual holiday,” says Vusi Mona, spokesperson for SANRAL.

Bus and taxi passengers in Gauteng do not have to pay for e-tolls, provided they travel in public transport vehicles that are registered for e-tags.

Healthy working relationships, clearly defined roles and open and honest communication are among the reasons why the Ekurhuleni Metro received an unqualified opinion with no findings for the 2013/14 financial year.

It was the only metro in Gauteng and one of only two (the other is Cape Town Metro in the Western Cape) in the country to earn unqualified opinions with no findings.

This was revealed in the municipal audit outcomes for the 2013/14 financial year that Auditor-General Kimi Makwetu released recently.

Sabeth Gamede spent more than 50 years of her life living in a mud house. During rainy seasons, the 54-year-old had to deal with a leaking roof and a flooded house.

On the cusp between winter and spring, August is a time for renewal.

Farmers and gardeners will tell you this is the time when we come out of the depths of the frozen winter and prepare to plant seeds or seedlings that bring beauty to our gardens and countryside, and nutritious crops to our tables in spring and summer.