Transport Minister Dipuo Peters yesterday played factional politics. She reminded us that former Gauteng finance MEC Paul Mashatile glowingly endorsed tolls on provincial freeways to reduce the burden on the fiscus back in 2006.
TRANSPORT Minister Dipuo Peters yesterday played factional politics. She reminded us that former Gauteng finance MEC Paul Mashatile glowingly endorsed tolls on provincial freeways to reduce the burden on the fiscus back in 2006.
The continuing clash of heads between Gauteng and national ANC leaders points to a party that is not used to being challenged over its policies.
Now that the people of Gauteng have made it clear they do not support e-tolls, what will the national government do?
In a constitutional democracy, we expect the leadership to not only listen to the citizens but to also be seen to be acting in defence of the people.
The minister comes across as someone who does not care what the masses are saying.
Her concern is about what the executive wants.
This government cannot be seen to be acting against the wishes of the majority.
The decision by the minister and Sanral to appear before the e-tolls advisory panel should enrich our understanding of why we must pay extra for our national roads.
We expect Peters to argue the merits and demerits of the project and spare us the factional battles.
The people of Gauteng deserve better leadership and should not have to put up with the ANC's internal fights that do nothing but blow up politicians' egos.
The decision by Gauteng Premier David Makhura to put together a review panel is a step in the right direction.
Whatever decisions were made in the past, the voices of the people should be heard.
South Africans will write their own version of the ANC's recent history.
The sand is shifting daily in our body politic and our leaders should wake up and smell the coffee.
The e-toll battle will be lost or won in the streets.
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