Gauteng Premier David Makhura refuses to hold a referendum on e-tolls and wants people to continue to pay for this unfair and unjust system.
Today I asked the premier to explain the reasons behind his refusal to call for a referendum, despite the fact that it is the best democratic mechanism to gauge public sentiment on a particular issue.
The premier’s response was that a referendum is only used to resolve a stalemate, and not every public concern.
He added by saying that the matter is still receiving government’s full attention through the intergovernmental working group under the leadership of Deputy President Cyril Ramaphosa, and that a solution will be found.
The fact is Gauteng has long ago reached a stalemate on e-tolls and their implementation, which is clearly illustrated by motorists’ continued refusal to pay.
And now the ANC and Premier Makhura are insisting on implementing the panel’s recommendations in a desperate attempt to find a way to force people to pay through one stealth tax or another.
Mr Premier, e-tolls must be scrapped, and both you and the ANC know that if you call for a referendum, the people of Gauteng will tell you exactly that.
Give the power to the people, call a referendum on e-tolls, and let the people decide.
Media enquiries:
John Moodey MPL
DA Gauteng Provincial Leader
082 960 3743