The Opposition to Urban Tolling Alliance (OUTA) faces legal bills of R11.72 million (US$1.3 million) to cover its long battle with the South African government, and is now appealing to the public for funds.
The civic organisation Opposition to Urban Tolling Alliance comprises business associations and individuals. It was set up in March last year in order to challenge the South African National Roads Agency Limited (SANRAL) and the government’s planned implementation of e-tolling in Gauteng.
HumanIPO reported earlier this month that OUTA had been caught in a lengthy and costly battle with the South African government and SANRAL regarding the e-tolling.
OUTA has since launched a campaign asking the public to help them pay the fees off. As of yesterday (January 17) the accumulated amount was at R7.85 million (US$886,108), which is enough to cover the interdict at the High Court and the first appeal at the Constitutional Court.
In a Facebook update yesterday, OUTA encouraged more South Africans to join the cause. “OUTA nears R8mil mark. ⅔ of the way there. Keep going SA…”
The initial case at the High Court cost R3.83 million (US$432,483), the appeal to stall the e-toll process at the Constitutional Court cost R3.41 million (US$385,057), the review at the High Court cost R2.98 million (US$336,502) and the last appeal at the Supreme Court cost 1.5 million (US$169,380).
The legal battle is continuing after OUTA filed an appeal earlier this month and said they are “confident” they can win.
Read the HumanIPO debate on e-tolling by clicking here.
