The week that took its toll

The Presidency announced on 25 September that Jacob Zuma had signed the e-toll bill into law, paving the way for the gantries to steal your money each time you drive underneath them.

A court case challenging e-tolling was taking place in the Supreme Court of Appeal on the same day, judgement of which has been reserved.

Two days later, Presidential spokesperson Mac Maharaj reiterated that Zuma had actually signed the legislation on 21 September before departing for the US for the UN General Assembly session.

The next day, transport ministry spokesperson Tiyani Rikhotso told television viewers that Minister Dipuo Peters would attend to the remaining procedural matters related to the implementation of e-tolls, including announcing the launch date.

Rikhotso then launched a scathing attack on those opposed to e-tolling, saying the department would need to be shown evidence that most motorists in Gauteng were against the system.

That’s rich coming from people who claim they did public consultations, as these processes would have given them those answers.

On 27 September, the DA hosted a protest with the message being ‘vote against e-tolling in the 2014 general election’.

Once again e-tolling was in the forefront of the news this week, taking away the spotlight from the boring politicians and usual suspects.

In sport, the weekend starts with a Champions League Twenty20 match between the Highveld Lions and Mumbai Indians. Action on SS2 from 4.15pm.

Later, there is an Absa Currie Cup round-eight tie between MTN Golden Lions and The Sharks at Ellis Park on Friday. The match will be on SS1 at 7pm.

There are some mouth-watering contests on Saturday, starting with a must-win Castle Lager Rugby Championship round-five match for the Springboks against Australia at Newlands in Cape Town. Coverage from 4pm on SS1.

In the evening, Orlando Pirates takes on Platinum Stars in the MTN8 final at Moses Mabhida Stadium in Durban. Coverage on SS4 and SABC1.

Happy weekend Joburg.