... that the maximum toll fees payable per month will be R550. In other words, even if you are a frequent user and your bill turns out to be R1 000, you will only pay R550 - it is capped at that level. [Applause.] [Interjections.] In addition, there will be a 15% discount after R400 per month to remove uncertainty and provide relief to frequent users.
In addition to that, there will be what is called a "time-of-day saving" of 20% for heavy vehicles. Sanral will announce the times. For example, from 10:00 in the morning to 15:30 in the afternoon, when the roads are not likely to be congested, if these heavy vehicles travel during this period, there will be a 20% discount.
As I indicated earlier, the upgrading of provincial roads which link the metropolitan municipalities - such as the R55 and the R101 - will be prioritised by the province over the short to medium term. Government itself will invest further and speed up public transport upgrading so that the public has alternatives. As a result of these important announcements, the debt of Sanral will increase to R59 billion, and an appropriate piece of legislation will be tabled by the Minister of Transport shortly. Tolling will start on 30 April 2012. [Interjections.]
I believe that this is a very important and constructive outcome of a long set of interactions that have taken place between government and the South African public. We have learnt a lot of lessons. These lessons will be applied in plans for future roads and their construction, and I believe it is time for all role-players to set aside their differences, settle on this very generous compromise, and go forward to a new future. [Applause.]
Following on announcements made previously in regard to introducing measures to improve financial management and help combat corruption, I can now report that there has been progress on many fronts. The National Treasury has issued new regulations which require departments to submit annual tender programmes, limit variation orders, and require disclosures of all directives of companies applying for tenders.
Significant progress is being made in identifying and dealing with those who have abused the system and whose activities fall within the category of priority crimes. The Justice, Crime Prevention and Security cluster, JCPS, made an announcement on priority crimes and corruption statistics earlier this week. I want to thank Ministers Mthethwa and Radebe for the co- operation of the departments and agencies under their management. Our joint multidisciplinary approach to investigations is beginning to bear fruit.
I also want to express strong support for the Congress of SA Trade Unions, Cosatu, initiative, Corruption Watch. We call on ordinary South Africans not to sit back and not to accept bribery when they come across it, whether it is in the public or the private sector. [Applause.] Contact the hotlines that are available in government departments. Contact Corruption Watch. Do not accept bribery. Do not become part of any corrupt activity. [Interjections.]
There are further steps National Treasury will soon take to improve our procurement capability as a government. We will strengthen fragmentation in the system and strengthen the national procurement architecture. The Treasury will appoint a chief procurement officer who will have overall responsibility for monitoring procurement across all spheres of government. We will review the competencies and capabilities required to perform the procurement function and, as indicated by the President, there will be strict vetting of all the procurement officers who are either in office or to be appointed. [Applause.]
The Treasury plans to develop a national price reference system to detect deviations from acceptable prices. So, if a particular laptop is supposed to cost R7 000 and a government department pays R10 000, they should be called to account for that. HON MEMBERS: Hear, hear! [Applause.]