Riyaz Patel
The City of Ekurhuleni is embarking on a series of name changes in the Metro, with forty-two street names and eight city landmarks touted to be renamed after “political icons and other eminent individuals” from the region.
The City has recommended that the largest interchange in Africa, Gillooly’s, be renamed after anti-apartheid human rights lawyer and Rivonia Trialist, Adv. George Bizos SC.
Olifantsfontein Road is to be renamed Winnie Madikizela Mandela Road, after the anti-apartheid icon and politician, who is also affectionately known as the ‘Mother of the Nation.’
Former South African President Thabo Mbeki, who championed the African Renaissance on the continent; and who still tirelessly advocates for Africa’s self-reliance, will be honoured by having the Van Buuren off-ramp named after him.
“We must build a city whose landmarks, highways, streets and intersections bear a resemblance of all the people who make up its population. The collective identity and moral image of the city must be drawn from within the histories of the whole population,” said Ekurhuleni Executive Mayor Masina.
Other street name changes include: Mary Moodley (Snake Road), Lungile Mtshali (Edenvale Road), Margaret Gazo (Ego Road) and Sam Ntuli (Kliprivier Road).
In terms of landmarks in the City, the Springs Theatre will be renamed after legendary actor Ken Gampu, while the new Germiston Theatre will now be known as the Dumisani Masilela Theatre. Masilela was gunned down in Tembisa two years ago and remains a role model to young people in the City.
“The children of our city must grow up in an environment that bears names that are familiar to their home languages and of people they interface with in their everyday lives,” said Masina.
The City said it will be having further discussions with both National and Provincial Government as the process unfolds.
“I must emphasise that this is the beginning of a process of other phases to unfold in our programme to redress the apartheid legacy and promote social cohesion in our efforts in creating a National Democratic Society,” Masina added.
