The e-tolls saga recounts the journey of Wayne `Big Billy goat-gruff’ Duvenage (as a listener on Talk Radio 702 described him) from a conscientious corporate CEO into the role of corporate activist pitting all his energy and resources into fighting the controversial decision by the `trolls’ who sought to implement electronic tolling to finance a major road construction project in Gauteng, the economic heartland of southern Africa. The Opposition to Urban Tolling Alliance (OUTA) sprung up from nothing to a highly rated brand in the not-for-profit space in a matter of a few months, in the process raising R11 million for litigation. Wayne Duvenage’s leadership was crucial to the success. Paradoxically, it was a success that failed. Although OUTA lost its legal battle, its opponent, the South African National Roads Agency Ltd (SANRAL), has been the ultimate loser of the larger war. Electronic tolling has been a disaster for SANRAL and an embarrassment for the South African government under President Jacob Zuma as the saga continues to unfold.

`The calls to oppose e-tolling of Gauteng’s Freeway Improvements (GFIP) are loud, filled with anger and a growing resentment toward this unnecessary burden.’ – Wayne Duvenage, 23 March 2012.

Wayne Duvenage has almost three decades experience in the travel and tourism industry, and served as the chief executive of Avis Rent-a-Car South Africa from 2007 to 2012. During the past decade, Wayne has represented the car rental industry as president of the industry association (SAVRALA) and also held positions on both the boards of Tourism Marketing SA (TOMSA) and Tourism Business Council SA (TBCSA). Angelique Serrao is the investigations editor at The Star. In this capacity she has been involved in many aspects of the e-toll story from the start.