Swartruggens- The Congress of South African Trade Unions in the North West province welcomes the statement by the provincial cabinet that it has requested that the toll at the Swartruggens plaza be reduced to R58. COSATU was surprised by the increase to R75, which was pronounced by the new minister of transport in August 2013.

“We shall not however agree with R58 until our members have been consulted and the provincial government led by Premier Thandi Modise has confirmed and agreed that the toll gate is expensive for the poor people of the NW, and that its cabinet has by undermined by both Sanral and the National Minister of Transport” Cosatu spokesperson in North West Solly Phetoe said.

COSATU said this is an indication that there is no synergy between the spheres of government, as one sphere can disagree with the other, and they ask themselves with whom did the minister consult before she decided on the increase, as they are now aware that the provincial government was not consulted.

“COSATU has been raising its concerns with the department for the past two years and they are not willing to listen to the request. COSATU took a resolution in the past provincial shop steward council which was held on 11th October 2013 to intensify the campaign until the demands are met” Phetoe said.

COSATU said their immediate demand is that while there are consultations and engagements going on the payments at the toll plaza must be suspended, because if they continue the people of the province and the neighbouring countries continue to be robbed their hard-earned money.

“We will be going back to the toll gate on 25th October 2013 from 12h00 as part of the intensification of the program to continue to register our dissatisfaction in the manner in which the department is handling this matter. COSATU once again calls on all the affected citizens to join the activity and those who have pressing matters to avoid using the road” concludes Phetoe.

The picketing and drive slow will be starting at the Marikana toll plaza on the N4 to the expensive toll gate from 12h00 to 18h00. – TDN
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(Edited BY Obakeng Maje)