South Africa’s Cabinet Approves Write-Off of R29bn E-Toll Debt Johannesburg, South Africa – The South African Cabinet has approved the write-off of nearly R29 billion in outstanding Gauteng Freeway Improvement Project (GFIP) e-toll debt, marking a significant decision in the controversial e-toll saga that has long been a point of contention among the public and government officials.
The decision, announced on June 7, 2026, paves the way for the closure of the GFIP e-toll scheme, which was terminated on April 11, 2024.
According to the South African National Roads Agency (SANRAL), the move is intended to relieve the financial burden on road users and to formally close the chapter on the e-toll system.
Under the Cabinet’s decision, SANRAL will cease pursuing collections of e-toll fees from before the system was turned off in 2024.
However, it is important to note that motorists who paid e — tolls while the system was in operation will not be refunded.
The GFIP e — toll system, introduced in 2013 in Gauteng, South Africa, sparked widespread public and political controversy.
Critics argued that the tolls were unfair and inefficient, leading to a major taxpayer revolt.
The system’s termination followed years of legal and political disputes. Government officials argue that the write-off is necessary to relieve the financial burden on road users and to close the e-toll chapter in an orderly and responsible manner.
Officials commented on the matter.
On the other hand, motorists who paid their e — tolls argue that they should be refunded for the tolls they paid during the legal operation of the e-toll system.
The write — off of the e-toll debt is part of the government’s broader strategy to address the financial challenges associated with the GFIP e-toll scheme.
According to SANRAL’s annual report, the agency is projected to suffer a R29 billion loss in toll payments for the 2024-2025 fiscal year.
The decision to write off the debt has been met with mixed reactions from various stakeholders. Some have welcomed the move as a positive step towards resolving the e-toll issue, while others have expressed concern about the financial implications for SANRAL and the broader transportation infrastructure in Gauteng.
As the e — toll saga comes to a close, the focus now shifts to the future of transportation funding in Gauteng. With the write-off of the e-toll debt, the government will need to explore alternative funding mechanisms to ensure the maintenance and development of the region’s road network.
The Cabinet’s decision to write off the R29bn e-toll debt is a significant development in the ongoing debate over the GFIP e-toll scheme.
While the move is intended to provide relief to road users and to close the chapter on the e — toll issue, it also raises questions about the long-term financial sustainability of transportation infrastructure in Gauteng.
*Additional reporting by ImNews | Sources consulted: 5*
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This original article was produced by the ImNews editorial team
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