Johannesburg – The Organisation Undoing Tax Abuse (OUTA) is escalating its fight against e-tolls by taking legal action against the South African National Roads Agency (SANRAL) and three government ministers. The case has been filed in the North Gauteng High Court, potentially impacting millions of Rands in outstanding e-toll debt.
OUTA aims to have the court declare that SANRAL has effectively abandoned over 2,000 e-toll debt claims due to a prolonged period of inaction spanning six years. These claims collectively amount to more than R265 million.
Since 2015, OUTA has been actively defending these cases under its 'e-toll Defence Umbrella.' The organisation argues that SANRAL ceased pursuing these claims following a board resolution in 2019. If OUTA's legal challenge proves successful, these substantial debt claims will become unenforceable.
SANRAL has indicated its intention to oppose the case. However, a court date has yet to be scheduled. The CEO of OUTA, Wayne Duvenage, recently discussed the matter with eNCA, highlighting the significance of this legal battle for South African motorists.
This legal challenge represents a significant development in the long-running saga surrounding e-tolls in Gauteng. The outcome could have far-reaching implications for SANRAL's ability to recover outstanding e-toll debt and for the future of tolling systems in South Africa.
What's Next?
The next step is for the court to set a date for the hearing. Both OUTA and SANRAL will then present their arguments. Motorists who are affected by e-tolls are watching this case closely.
Key Points:
- OUTA is suing SANRAL over abandoned e-toll debt claims.
- The claims total over R265 million.
- SANRAL intends to oppose the case.