CONCERNED CITIZEN writes:
Mayor Masina, I take note of your argument for changing street names and sympathise with your sentiments. Let me give another point of view.
I believe the people you want to name streets after were involved in, and even risked their lives for, the struggle for freedom. They participated in the struggle to better the lives of the people, not so streets could be named after them.
People are living, human beings with emotions and feelings. They experience cold and hunger. Streets feel nothing and mean nothing. Why make an issue of street names when so many people still walk great distances daily to get to and from work because they cannot afford taxi fees.
Please, Mr Mayor, next time we have a storm, park lower down in Vlei Street, on the way to Birchleigh Station. Watch the suffering of people walking to or from work, crossing the vlei, knee deep or higher, in water.
Vehicles turn back in fear of not getting through, yet our people must do so twice daily or face a huge detour, arriving at the station late, wet and cold.
I appeal to your good judgement and compassion, Mr Mayor, to bring honour to the heroes of the struggle not by changing street names, but by bettering the lives of those they fought for.
We can do this by giving them affordable and reliable transport. Name bus services after the people you wish to pay tribute to. Many will benefit from this, whereas renaming streets benefits no one, is costly and only causes confusion.
Young women, parents and grandparents will benefit from a service like this by being safer and getting home earlier to be with their children.
