South Africa Formally Ends E-Tolls, Writes Off Outstanding Debt

The Gauteng Freeway Improvement Project was introduced to upgrade major freeway networks in Gauteng Province, with electronic tolling serving as the primary funding mechanism.

The South African government has taken a decisive step to close the chapter on the Gauteng Freeway Improvement Project (GFIP) e-toll system, with Cabinet approving measures that will formally end the scheme and write off outstanding unpaid e-toll debt.

Transport Minister Barbara Creecy and Deputy Minister Mkhuleko Hlengwa welcomed the decision, describing it as a long-awaited move that will provide certainty for motorists and bring closure to one of the country's most debated transport funding initiatives. The approval allows the South African National Roads Agency (SANRAL) to complete the shutdown of the e-toll system, settle historical GFIP debt matters and resolve any remaining legal disputes linked to the project.

Motorists Relieved as Unpaid E-Toll Debt Is Written Off

The Gauteng Freeway Improvement Project was introduced to upgrade major freeway networks in Gauteng Province, with electronic tolling serving as the primary funding mechanism. Since its introduction, the system faced significant public resistance, with many road users objecting to the charges and questioning the model used to finance road infrastructure. Under Cabinet's latest decision, all outstanding and unpaid historical GFIP e-toll debt owed by motorists will be written off. SANRAL will not pursue further collection efforts against road users who still have unpaid e-toll accounts.

The Department of Transport stated that the decision is intended to provide finality for road users, SANRAL and the national fiscus. Officials also noted that the move comes at a time when many motorists continue to face financial pressure from rising fuel prices and broader economic challenges. The government had previously decided to terminate the GFIP e-toll scheme, with the withdrawal of toll declarations taking effect on 11 April 2024. The latest Cabinet approval completes the final administrative and financial steps required to close the programme.

No Refunds for Past Payments Despite Debt Write-Off

While unpaid debt will be cancelled, motorists who paid their e-toll fees while the system was operational will not receive refunds. According to the government, the charges were legally valid at the time they were collected because the toll declarations remained in force until they were formally withdrawn. Officials explained that the no-refund policy is based on the legal status of the tolling system during its period of operation. As a result, payments made before the closure of the scheme will remain final.

The Department of Transport stressed that the closure of the GFIP e-toll system does not signal the end of the user-pay principle in South Africa's infrastructure funding framework. Government maintains that road-user contributions can still play an important role in financing transport infrastructure when supported by clear policies, appropriate legal structures and broad public acceptance.

With Cabinet's approval now in place, authorities expect the closure process to proceed in an orderly manner, bringing an end to a project that has shaped public debate on transport funding in South Africa for more than a decade.