Sanral seeks to clear misinterpretation

The South African National Roads Agency SOC (Sanral) confirms that it has taken note of the ruling made by the Advertising Standards Authority (ASA) regarding the advertisement wherein the monthly costs for e-road users was reflected.

Although it was a time-consuming process, Sanral appointed independent auditors to verify the information. Based on the feedback of the independent auditors, Sanral maintains that the figures used were correct. In this regard a response, inclusive of the conclusions reached by the independent auditors, has been forwarded to ASA today.

"Sanral is encouraged by the results from the independent auditors. We trust that the new facts provided to the ASA will lead to a different finding," said Vusi Mona, General Manager of Communications at Sanral.

With regard to the registration figures, these are currently being reviewed by independent auditors as part of the Auditor General's annual audit. The review has not been concluded yet but once it is, the audited figures will be shared with the public.

"This ruling has put the spotlight on the release of unaudited information which is a normal business practice but unaudited figures do not and should not substitute the requirement for an external audit," said Mona.

As a state owned entity, Sanral is audited annually by the Auditor General. Sanral is more than happy to release these figures once per annum after they have been audited, the media's interest in these figures notwithstanding.