President Zuma joins tribute of R24 renaming
Albertina Sisulu was a worthy woman and it is a fitting tribute to her.
The longest road in Gauteng, the R24-freeway, has been renamed officially to celebrate the life of anti-apartheid activist Albertina Sisulu over the weekend that she would have turned 95. She passed away in June 2011.
Ministers, ward councillors, mayors, Gauteng Premier Nomvula Mokonyane, President Jacob Zuma and family members of Sisulu were present during the official renaming ceremony in Kagiso on 20 October.
Albertina Sisulu Road stretches through three municipalities – from OR Tambo International Airport (Ekurhuleni), through the Johannesburg central business district (CBD), to Roodepoort and Leratong (Mogale City) westwards through the Randfontein CBD straight to the border between Gauteng and North West province.
President Zuma said at the occasion that the renaming of the R24 was a fitting tribute as Sisulu was a beloved national icon and struggle veteran who loved South Africa.
“It is a befitting birthday salute and dedication to this important leader of our people, particularly under the theme of enhancing social cohesion, connecting cities, towns and people.”
He said that the official naming was also in line with the 20 years’ celebrations of freedom, the celebration of work done to improve the quality of life and to boost the economy to create jobs.
“Roads are the arteries of development. Each time we open a road, we know it will contribute immensely to promoting better economic activity.”
The road is also a vital economic corridor that links key freight and logistics hubs servicing the province.
Nontsikelelo Sisulu, a family representative said that the renaming was a humbling honour for the Sisulu family.
“We would like to extend our gratitude. We believe that a street should be renamed only in exceptional instances and Sisulu was a worthy woman.”
She said that the renaming of the R24 would leave people with questions as to who Albertina Sisulu was.
“We have to educate people as to what type of person she was. She was a worthy African woman who was stern and fought for democracy.
“She might not have paid for the road but she surely fought for the right for it to be named after her.”
