MEDIA RELEASE

THE RATIONALE BEHIND SANRAL’S REST AND SERVICE FACILITIES POLICY

9 April 2026, Pretoria –The South African National Roads Agency SOC Limited (SANRAL) recently embarked on the public consultation process for amendments to the Rest and Service Facilities Policy (RSF Policy) to give effect to the right to administrative action that is lawful, reasonable and procedurally fair in accordance with the Promotion of Administrative Justice Act of 2000 (Act 3 of 2000) (PAJA).

The 2026 draft RSF policy underscores transformative, sustainable, and safe RSF development along the national road network; and it is in accordance with section 217 of the constitution regarding equitable share, fairness, transparency, competitiveness and cost-effectiveness. In the main, the RSF Policy seeks to promote transformation and inclusive participation of South Africans using state owned land and commercial properties, says SANRAL Spokesperson, Mr Vusi Mona.

Unlike the previous 2021 policy, the amended RSF Policy now incorporates the New Energy Vehicles (NEV), especially the Electric Vehicles (EV) charging stations and battery swooping or switching facilities. All new and existing facilities require approval from SANRAL in accordance with sections 44 and 48 of the SANRAL Act, while taking into account sections 34 and 26(g) as well as section 50 regarding outdoor advertising billboards or signage.

In line with SANRAL’s distinct mandate to develop, finance, manage, maintain, control, plan and rehabilitate South Africa’s proclaimed national road network, SANRAL seeks to monetise its immovable assets in line with the Horizon 2030 Strategy which is guided by section 25 of the SANRAL Act. To grow the portfolio and drive long-term sustainable income, leasing, development, and alienation of commercial properties and high value land parcels (greenfield) will be key, while complying with its policies and legislation including the Preferential Procurement Policy Framework Act 5 of 2000, and the Broad Based Black Economic Empowerment Act 53 of 2003. The Agency will therefore follow a process that is transparent, fair, equitable and competitive.

Contrary to recent media comments by Zero Carbon Charge, SANRAL is empowered to impose rates and levies and implement its revenue generating activities and monetise its immovable assets in accordance with the SANRAL Act, particularly section 34 and 26(g) and other relevant sections. In particular, Section 34 requires that the Funding of Agency is premised on (i) income generated through developing, leasing out or otherwise

managing its assets within the scope of this Act; and (ii) any other levies and any fees, rentals or other moneys charged by and payable to the Agency in terms of this Act. Additionally, private businesses requiring direct access and egress from the national road are required by law to pay levies in terms of the SANRAL Act of 1998. The 1998 rates card (levies) remains in force.

The Rest and Service Facilities Policy is mainly grounded in sections 44 and 48 of the SANRAL Act regarding authorisation required from SANRAL for any business requiring direct access and egress from the national road. Private landowners or developers are required to submit written applications to SANRAL for any planned development to assess the traffic impact, road safety, engineering standards and compliance with legislation. In the event that the proposed development is located in an area other than an urban area, is on, over or below the surface of a national road or land in a building restriction area and is situated either 60 metres from the boundary line of a national road or within a distance of 500 metres from any point of intersection – written approval must be obtained from SANRAL prior to construction. In consideration of these applications, section 48 of the SANRAL Act will apply.

SANRAL’s responsibility towards motorists and users of the Rest and Service Facilities is to ensure, amongst others, road safety on the national roads.

-ENDS