Clerics call for e-toll resistance

E-tolling is underway in Gauteng despite widespread dissatisfaction among motorists. Image: First Car Rental

The contentious e-tolling system was implemented on Tuesday, 3 December‚ but political parties‚ organised labour and other groups continue to oppose it and encourage public resistance and widespread civil disobedience.

The church leaders' declaration comes as the Freedom Front Plus lost its court bid to have the Transport Law and Related Matters Amendment Bill declared unconstitutional.

Church leaders said they were shocked the government was pressing ahead with the system despite public protest over its implementation that has come from political parties and organisations such as the Opposition to Urban Tolling Alliance as well as labour movements.

South African Catholic Conference chairman Bishop Abel Gabuza said while the clerics did not take issue with loyalty to the state or civil obedience‚ he warned that misguided loyalty and blind patriotism could be dangerous and could even be a form of idolatry.

Government needs to hear the people

"We are happy there is infrastructure but where there is an injustice we have a duty to stand up and denounce what is not right‚" Bishop Gabuza said.

"Some church leaders may not agree with the position we hold and that is their right. Many people are fearful and it is our duty to ensure people use their conscience to guide them in making a decision‚" he said.

Rev Moss Nthla‚ chairman of the South African Christian Leaders Initiative (Sacli)‚ said opposition to the tolling system would be a test of the government and country's character.

"Some have said the government is moving ahead with this‚ why not give up? As Christians we believe it would be a very sad day if we have a government that no longer listens to the voice of the governed. We don't believe we have reached that place where there will be non-responsiveness. If we accept that government has stopped listening to us‚ it would mean something deep in our moral psyche has died‚" he said.

Church assistance

When asked how churches would assist congregation members taken to task by government for refusing to comply with e-tolling‚ Father Mike Deeb - a co-ordinator at the South African Catholic Business Conference - said he was confident churches could rally legal or financial support with organisations that are also opposed to tolling.

"We thought a lot about this and realised that the biggest resistance is solidarity amongst ourselves and our congregations. This has already started and people have already refused to pay. We don't have a clear plan to help those who are pursued but we will take it as it comes‚" he said.

Rev Mukondi Ramulondi said: "You don't struggle to get a reward‚ you struggle because you oppose something that is against your conscience. We can only rally together against something like this if it is unacceptable. There will be sacrifices. We still trust the energy people had in the past. It is still there. Our people are not a sleeping. We are together in this."