The South African National Roads Agency (SANRAL) has reported a massive R29 billion loss in unpaid toll fees for the 2024/2025 financial year, reflecting expected credit losses on amounts owed to the agency.
The figure was disclosed in SANRAL’s annual report covering the period from April 2024 to March 2025.
According to the report, the agency did not record any fruitless or wasteful expenditure during the year. However, nearly R13 million in spending remains under investigation. The Board had previously approved the write-off of R33.7 million in fruitless or irregular expenditure in the 2023/2024 financial year.
In the latest year, SANRAL confirmed R186 million in irregular expenditure, with a further R1 billion still under assessment as of March 2025. The report stated that none of the irregular spending was linked to criminal activity. Employees held responsible for R96 million in condoned irregular expenditure received written warnings after recommendations from the loss control committee and approval from the Board.
“Human resources has instituted disciplinary action against perpetrators of irregular cases concluded by the loss control committee and independent reviews,” the report added.
The Auditor-General of South Africa (AGSA) highlighted weaknesses in SANRAL’s reporting systems, stating that management’s controls were inadequate to provide reliable evidence for reporting on predetermined objectives. The AGSA further noted that management failed to conduct sufficient reviews to ensure the accuracy and consistency of reported performance information.
In his foreword, SANRAL Board Chairperson Themba Mhambi said, “We note the AGSA’s findings with a view to reinforcing that which works and correcting that which requires attention, including through consequence management.”
Chief Executive Officer Reginald Demana announced that SANRAL’s 2025/2026 budget amounts to R63.6 billion, with 41% allocated to road maintenance and rehabilitation, 50% for capital expenditure projects, and 9% for operational costs.
Demana said the allocations are aimed at preserving and improving South Africa’s national road network.
