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CEO UPDATE
Dear OUTA supporter
I am sure by now you have heard the good news that e-tolls are officially a thing of the past. The publication of the government’s gazette declaring that Gauteng freeways are no longer subject to e-tolling as of 11 April 2024, signals the end of a significant project in OUTA’s history. This milestone marks the culmination of years of dedicated effort by the OUTA team and unwavering support from individuals like you.
Our organisation was formed 12 years ago in response to this very issue. Back then, our sole focus and mandate was to oppose and see the closure of the e-toll scheme. You can read a summary about this battle here and here.
However, our journey since 2012 has been very transformative, more so since 2016 when we evolved into a multifaceted organisation, addressing corruption and many incidents relating to the abuse of power within government. Since taking on a broader corruption-fighting agenda, we have opened 286 projects (at a success rate of over 85%), in many instances protecting the country’s fiscus from losing billions of rands by halting irrational, expensive and inefficient projects or processes.
Just over a year ago, we successfully challenged Government to abandon its irrational plan to introduce a state of disaster on electricity, which we believe would have resulted in the emergency introduction of the grossly overpriced Karpowerships and/or new nuclear energy options being fast-tracked, without the necessary procedures being followed. Despite this win, we will be back in court in June against NERSA, on their decision to grant Karpowership approval to generate electricity in South Africa’s harbours.
There have certainly been some key take-aways from OUTA’s e-toll challenge, the most significant of which was our ability to leverage off one cause, to build a bigger team with a broader corruption and maladministration fighting agenda.
The success of e-toll challenge has also affirmed the impact and collective power citizens have when they are informed and remain focussed on the end goal. Clearly government never reckoned on citizens resolutely and steadfastly uniting around this cause over so many years. We have witnessed the collective power of active citizenry to change government’s thinking, without damaging property or infrastructure. Burning down the e-toll gantries was never an option for us, despite the fact that many angry citizens felt like doing so during the early days of its launch.
Moreover, as an organisation, we have entrenched and drawn on our values of resilience and tenacity to tackle the might of Government’s machinery on many issues. By maintaining a steadfast focus on our long-term objectives and fostering a culture of agility and learning, we’ve navigated challenges with authenticity and determinism.
Most certainly, none of this would have been possible without the steadfast support of individuals and businesses like you. Your ongoing contributions speak volumes about your belief in our mission and the impact of our work. Together, we enabled what Government vowed they would not relent on: the eventual switch-off of their e-toll scheme. However, with that now done, our journey is far from over.
As we head into our 7th Parliamentary elections since democracy, we have come to realise that no matter who is in power in South Africa, effective civil interventions are required to hold power to account and demand the responsible use and stewardship of our nation’s resources. This is even more prevalent at the local government level.
I extend my deepest gratitude to the remarkable team at OUTA and the thousands of donors whose contributions - no matter how small - sustain our endeavours. Imagine the possibilities if we could double our support base. For this reason, we encourage our supporters to bring on board another supporter or two to help us get there. Please spread the word in your own circles, and feel free to share this newsletter. And remember that all contributions to OUTA come with Section 18A tax rebate certificate at the end of the tax year.
Our team remains resolute and focussed on the various projects we take on, to build a better future for our country, spurred on by those who donate to us and make our work possible.
With heartfelt thanks and unwavering determination.
Yours sincerely,
Wayne and the team
Please share this newsletter with friends, family, and colleagues. OUTA needs your help in expanding our reach.
Please share this newsletter with friends, family, and colleagues. OUTA needs your help in expanding our reach.