Ward 15 Clr Amanda Davison has raised concerns over the CoE’s continued failure to rename Kafferboom Street in Birchleigh, a name widely recognised as racially offensive and inappropriate in a democratic SA.

Despite a formal request dating back to 2019, several resubmissions and a public participation process scheduled for 2024 (later postponed indefinitely), the street’s name remains unchanged.

The proposed replacement, Koraalboom (Coral Tree), aligns with the botanical name of the tree, Erythrina lysistemon, and SA’s inclusive post-apartheid identity.

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Davison submitted questions to the MMC for Community Services during council proceedings, demanding accountability for the delay.

The response revealed that implementing the name change would happen once the city manager had approved the memo establishing the Ekurhuleni Geographical Names Committee.

A list of nominated committee members has been submitted for consideration, with no fixed date provided, pending committee approval.

City Planning will cover the cost of new signage, while Community Services will fund the public participation process, including notices in print media.

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The total estimated cost is R30 000, drawn from the budget allocated for geographical names.

“It is unacceptable that in 2025, Birchleigh residents are still living on a street named with a racial slur. This name represents an era of division and exclusion. Keeping it unchanged undermines our country’s progress towards reconciliation and respect for all communities.

“I will continue pressing for urgency to ensure this matter is finalised before November. Our residents deserve dignity, inclusivity, and action, not endless delays,” Davison said.

The Kempton Express sent an inquiry to the city on October 8, requesting a response by October 13. At the time of going to print, no comment had been received.