Gauteng Pays Over R5 Billion to Settle E-Toll Debt and Improve Highways
Gauteng confirms second instalment towards scrapped e-toll debt and R2 billion for major freeway upgrades
The Gauteng Provincial Government (GPG) will make a massive R5.476 billion payment to the National Treasury on 30 June 2025. This payment includes the second instalment towards the scrapped e-toll debt and a significant contribution to improving Gauteng’s busiest highways.
This follows the disconnection of e-toll gantries in April 2024 after years of public pushback and a formal agreement to scrap the system. In line with an agreement between GPG, the national government, and SANRAL, Gauteng will pay 30% of the total e-toll debt, which stands at R15.9 billion, while national government covers 70%. Gauteng is paying its share in five yearly instalments.
The first instalment of R3.8 billion was paid in September 2024. Now, GPG is paying the second instalment of R3.377 billion.
In addition, the province is injecting R2.099 billion into SANRAL’s Gauteng Freeway Improvement Project (GFIP), helping to rehabilitate and upgrade nine key freeway sections, including:
N1 from 14th Avenue to Buccleuch
N3 between Gillooly’s and Tom Jones
N12 and R21 sections, among others
The total commitment to these upgrades is R4.1 billion. These roads are crucial to economic activity and everyday travel across the province.
Finance MEC Lebogang Maile emphasised that the funds must only be used for the agreed projects and that SANRAL must report progress, including economic impact and job creation.
Despite tough financial conditions, Maile assured the public that these repayments won’t affect critical services like healthcare and education. The province is also strengthening its Revenue Enhancement Strategy, which includes improving revenue collection and exploring new income sources.
The province is taking steps to ensure responsible spending, reduce waste, and increase value from every rand spent.
This bold move by Gauteng shows strong financial discipline and a clear focus on improving infrastructure while maintaining essential public services.