Mr Speaker, tomorrow our country will again experience disruptions as a result of the governing party's refusal to listen to reason. Despite the calls for the enforcement of the Gauteng freeway tolling to be halted, the arrogance of the governing ANC emerged victorious again. As a result, Cosatu's call for a march against tolling is understandable. It is aimed at channelling and harnessing the anger and frustration of the potential victims of this greed.
It is really unacceptable for any government to introduce this type of tolling without providing alternative routes. If one has to move from the West Rand to O R Tambo International Airport, one has to pass approximately six tollgates, since these have been created to ensure that road users are milked dry.
While Cope understands and supports Cosatu's demands and march, we don't support the disruption of schooling and education. We believe that educators and learners should be kept out of this fight. This is not a new call because during the height of the fight against apartheid, strikes and stay-aways were called, but nurses and doctors were always exempted.
It is high time that the people of South Africa understand that the attitude of the ANC government in relation to tolling in Gauteng is the permanent nature of the arrogance they have been displaying. This is no exception; it is part of the ANC's DNA. Cosatu must learn and learn fast. Governance is not only elections, but what counts is what happens between elections. [Applause.]