Government has finally approved the write-off of outstanding e-toll debt, bringing an end to one of South Africa’s most controversial public policy failures.

The collapse of the scheme was evident within months of its launch. Public compliance never reached sustainable levels, yet government spent more than a decade refusing to accept what ordinary motorists already knew.

While motorists who paid e-tolls will not receive refunds, the decision closes the door on years of uncertainty and debt collection threats.

For us, this moment is about more than e-tolls.

It demonstrates what can happen when citizens organise, speak up and refuse to accept bad policy. It shows that sustained public pressure and evidence-based advocacy can change the course of government decisions.

This is not simply the end of e-tolls.

It is proof that active citizenship works. 

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