Sanral PR spin degenerates into fabrication
South African Chamber of Commerce and Industry (SACCI) president Neren Rau has distanced SACCI from the misrepresentation by Sanral media spokesperson, Vusi Mona, who claimed SACCI’s “significant endorsement” in supposedly backing the E-toll system.
It was reported in national media that Rau has objected to Sanral media spokesperson “twisting our words”.
“SACCI remains opposed to E-tolls because of the high collection costs and the overall burden the tolls will have on the economy. However, SACCI will advise its members to abide by the law if the E-toll law is implemented on December 3, because of the high cost of non-compliance,” says Rau.
He adds that the organisation had been in talks with Outa on E-tolling, and that their concerns had been shared with the government.
Outa chairman, Wayne Duvenage, says that there was a massive difference between grudging compliance and enthusiastic endorsement.
“Business has less latitude than individuals in taking strongly oppositional position. SACCI’s caution can hardly be construed as ‘endorsement’. What is particularly worrying is the extent to which Sanral’s PR spin has degenerated into gross fabrication, motivated by Sanral’s desperate efforts to manufacture the impression of enthusiastic compliance.”
Duvenage adds that there have been many examples of misrepresentation by Sanral and this latest deception is just another incident which further destroys their credibility.
“Outa urges the motoring public to assert their human rights, as defined in our constitution.
“As former Irish President and former UN High Commissioner for Human Rights, Dr Mary Robinson said in a recent visit to South Africa ‘human rights do not belong to government, they belong to people’. It is by concerted citizen action, motivated by civil courage that human rights become meaningful’.”
Outa will shortly announce the launch of its “Outa Assist” support service for motorists who may find themselves harassed by officials acting in contravention of the bill of rights, to try and intimidate motorists into buying E-tags.
