FEW tears will be shed for outgoing South African National Road Agency Limited (Sanral) CEO Nazir Alli who resigned yesterday after presiding over the country's most horrendous public relations exercise that is likely to leave the nation with a huge debt.
Topping the mixed reactions was a telling observation from the Opposition to Urban Tolling Alliance, which was granted an urgent interdict last month to stop the launch of the controversial e-tolling system.
The alliance has surmised that the e-tolling matter might have been a catalyst for Alli's resignation.
Other parties not regretting the sight of Alli's back are most likely Cosatu and millions of motorists who formed part of the huge public outcry at what has been described as an grossly impoverishing move of ordinary citizens by a government.
The Democratic Alliance has been quoted as saying Alli had managed the construction of an excellent road network, but was a poor communicator.
Other questions involve allegations of politically connected companies and individuals that stand to benefit from e-tolling.
The Public Protector has even been asked to investigate e-toll collection contracts following reports that "politically connected people" may have benefited from the companies contracted to Sanral.
It is intriguing that following Cosatu's meeting with the ruling party, the ANC, on the matter, it is the ANC - not the government - that announced the postponement of the plan.
But, that was more of hurling the stable door shut long after the horse had bolted, for this came after the court-mandated halting of the plan's implementation and committing it to a thorough review.
The disastrous handling of the communications around the e-tolling fiasco is reminiscent of the equally chaotic process around the Protection of State Information Bill.
For both these matters, the values of openness, transparency and accountability were grossly undermined.
While we hope Alli's replacement will be the antithesis of the outgoing Sanral head, it is the manner in which government communicates vital issues with citizens that is of serious concern.
The situation regarding both the e-tolling and info bill sagas would have been different if transparent consultations had taken place well in advance and public participation had been allowed ample space.
This is the making of a a lesson taught and learnt well for one forgettable Nazir Alli and his puppet masters.
Dead-end for Alli
FEW tears will be shed for outgoing South African National Road Agency Limited (Sanral) CEO Nazir Alli who resigned yesterday after presiding over the country's most horrendous public relations exercise that is likely to leave the nation with a huge debt.
Topping the mixed reactions was a telling observation from the Opposition to Urban Tolling Alliance, which was granted an urgent interdict last month to stop the launch of the controversial e-tolling system.
The alliance has surmised that the e-tolling matter might have been a catalyst for Alli's resignation.
Other parties not regretting the sight of Alli's back are most likely Cosatu and millions of motorists who formed part of the huge public outcry at what has been described as an grossly impoverishing move of ordinary citizens by a government.
The Democratic Alliance has been quoted as saying Alli had managed the construction of an excellent road network, but was a poor communicator.
Other questions involve allegations of politically connected companies and individuals that stand to benefit from e-tolling.
The Public Protector has even been asked to investigate e-toll collection contracts following reports that "politically connected people" may have benefited from the companies contracted to Sanral.
It is intriguing that following Cosatu's meeting with the ruling party, the ANC, on the matter, it is the ANC - not the government - that announced the postponement of the plan.
But, that was more of hurling the stable door shut long after the horse had bolted, for this came after the court-mandated halting of the plan's implementation and committing it to a thorough review.
The disastrous handling of the communications around the e-tolling fiasco is reminiscent of the equally chaotic process around the Protection of State Information Bill.
For both these matters, the values of openness, transparency and accountability were grossly undermined.
While we hope Alli's replacement will be the antithesis of the outgoing Sanral head, it is the manner in which government communicates vital issues with citizens that is of serious concern.
The situation regarding both the e-tolling and info bill sagas would have been different if transparent consultations had taken place well in advance and public participation had been allowed ample space.
This is the making of a a lesson taught and learnt well for one forgettable Nazir Alli and his puppet masters.
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