Deputy Speaker, I wish to speak on two issues, both raised by the IFP. First of all, I want to welcome what was said by the hon Lucas and join him in expressing our condolences - and I am sure this comes from all parties - to the families of the 20 people who were tragically killed in the early hours of this morning on the N1 outside Leeu-Gamka. That included two children. We also wish a speedy recovery to those who have been injured.
The circumstances appear to be that a stationary truck was struck by a trailer of a minibus, which then overturned and was struck by a second minibus. All of the deaths occurred in the two minibuses. I think I should just say that we all tend to be very antiminibus and antitaxi, but actually the fatality and injury figures suggest that in terms of the number of kilometres travelled and passengers transported by the minibus sector, they are actually safer than sedan cars, which many of us drive. In this case, a culpable homicide case has been opened.
What we really want to do is to appeal to all of us, whether we have blue lights or not - and I do not have blue lights - to please drive safely, to drive with care and respect for our passengers, ourselves and all other road users.
With regard to the other hon member from the IFP, who addressed the matter of toll roads, he said he was joining the opposition to any further toll roads. I am glad he is joining the SACP, the ANC and Cosatu, who have said that we really need to look twice at future tolling processes. Indeed, the Cabinet has said that we are investigating and putting a hold on any further expansion of tolls while we look at the merits of the case. [Interjections.]
However, let us also very clearly understand that freeways might be called freeways but they are not free. One way or another the public has to pay for them. I hope that the hon member from the IFP understands that when he joins the DA - I am not sure if he is joining the DA - and suggests that what we should do is increase the fuel levy, then what he is saying is that taxi drivers in Ulundi should be paying for the freeways that are being used and enjoyed by the middle classes in Gauteng. So I think we should be very clear about that. [Interjections.]
The key question is not tolls, but what we are spending our money on. What are the key priorities? I ask this because whatever we do costs us, one way or another. Surely public transport, getting freight onto rail and off the roads, and better urban planning are the key priorities. Certainly, those are the issues that we as a government are going to try to prioritise, keeping in mind the understandable public outcry around tolling and excessive tolling. We agree with the public that there are challenges on this front and that is what we want to focus on. We do not want to use it opportunistically, as some political parties are seeking to do. [Applause.]