Abstract:
Most motorists applauded the announcement of scrapping e-tolls on the Gauteng
Freeways. Most media outlets interpreted the scrapping of e-tolls as a debt victory for the
South African National Road Agency SOC Ltd. (SANRAL). The decision taken left the
Gauteng provincial government and national government with a debt of 47 billion rand,
which is split into a proportion of 30/70. On top of the latter decision, the Gauteng
provincial government would cover its estimated road maintenance costs of over 2 billion
rand each year for the upcoming three years. Moreover, the Premier of Gauteng agreed to
refund 6.9 billion rand to motorists who have been complying with their e-toll payments.
This is a scholarly research paper that examines possible ways available to the Gauteng
provincial government to cover the latter debt, the refund, and continue to maintain good
freeways. Possible solutions suggested by the Finance Minister and the Premier includes
the building of manual tolls, increasing fuel costs, and increasing licensing costs within the
province. The researcher in this scholarly research paper also discusses the road funding
options used in South Africa and elsewhere. Finally, the researcher recommends the
optimal solution for the Gauteng provincial government.
