Is this road paved with good intentions?

The renaming of the R24 to Albertina Sisulu Road might have some advantages despite the several obvious disadvantages.

But was it necessary to change the name and does it make any economic sense? The previous name, Main Reef Road, was neither politically motivated, incorrectly spelt or offensive. Could this be a meaningless attempt at political point scoring with a view to next year’s elections?

Businesses and individuals now have to change their addresses at several institutions to make sure that they receive important mail such as bills and notices.

Businesses have to change letterheads, business cards, flyers and signage to accommodate the new street name and number, causing an unnecessary financial burden, while home owners have to get new numbers on their properties.

Debt collectors might search for their debtors in vain, but maybe the road will be maintained better as a way to show respect to a woman who had fought for a free and democratic South Africa.

It is not clear exactly how the numbering system will work as the road stretches from the OR Tambo International Airport in the east to the border of the North West province in the west.

The NEWS would like to hear from businesses and home owners whether they were informed about the name (and number) change and whether they believe the name changing would have either a positive or a negative effect.

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