Renaming of Gauteng roads to honour heroes and heroines ‘futile’ – residents
The department is proposing to rename the R80, R55, R42 to names of eminent persons from various fields including political, business, labour and sporting fields.
Gauteng residents reckon that money spent on renaming roads in the province should rather be used to fix them.
This was after the Gauteng Department of Roads and Transport proposed to rename several roads after eminent persons from various fields including political, business, labour and sporting fields.
The proposed changes are N12 to Ahmed Kathrada Freeway; R59 to Helen Suzman Drive; R80 to Dr Sam Motsuenyane Drive; R55 to Philip Kgosana Drive; R500 to Elijah Barayi Drive; R50 to Joost van der Westhuizen Drive; R42 to Ellen Khuzwayo Drive; and P139/1 (Christiaan de Wet/Northumberland Road) to Andrew Mlangeni Drive.
Concerned citizens on social media see the decision as serving no useful purpose given the current economic situation.
Motorists said the money to make the name changes should rather be used to repair potholes.
The department in a statement called for comments on proposed names and renaming of major provincial roads.
MEC Jacob Mamabolo explained that the Gauteng provincial government had a role to play in promoting an inclusive South African identity.
“As a government, we have a duty to honour heroes and heroines who selflessly played significant roles in the struggle against apartheid, and made profound and outstanding contributions to the development of our people and this country.
“The roads and transport infrastructure may have a technical function; however, the provincial government has a duty in promoting and reflecting an inclusive identity and cultural heritage with such infrastructure.”
“This exercise also enables us to celebrate and honour those heroes and heroines who, against all odds, rose and lit the way in various areas of endeavour and to the attainment of the people’s freedom,” Mamabolo said.
The department is yet to host public participation workshops across the province as part of consultation and efforts to create awareness regarding the proposed naming and renaming of identified roads.
Interested and affected parties have been invited to submit comments on the proposed naming and renaming of the provincial roads to Rhulani.Mahori@gauteng.gov.za or contact him on 066 474 3000 for more information.
READ MORE: Wonderboompoort police, child helpline join hands to fight abuse
Do you have more information about the story?
Please send us an email to editorial@rekord.co.za or phone us on 083 625 4114.
For free breaking and community news, visit Rekord’s websites: Rekord East
For more news and interesting articles, like Rekord on Facebook, follow us on Twitter or Instagram
