Durban gets into name-game
2005-03-08 22:31
Durban - The first phase of renaming all major streets here has been finalised with nine new names, largely consisting of former
struggle icons getting the nod from the eThekwini municipality, the State news agency BuaNews reported on Tuesday.
One of the names that may be changed is Victoria Embankment.
BuaNews said the "non-racism, non-sexism and non-discrimination sub-committee" had approved the nine names and the city's executive committee was now expected to put their final stamp of approval on the recommendations.
The process of removing Durban's colonial street names, statues and council buildings is now at an advanced stage.
A task team, headed by council speaker Nomusa Dube had asked for the process to be expedited "to avoid cost
implications from businesses", the agency reported.
The first municipal building to be renamed is Martin West, which will be known as Florence Mkhize, a former councillor who has been recognised for her charity work.
Unsung heroes and heroines recognised
The renaming of city streets comes after a task team of city officials and outside stakeholders received proposals from the public through a consultative process.
While the names of well-known struggle icons such as Chief Albert Luthuli have been put forward, unsung heroes and heroines have been included.
These have included Johannes Nkosi, who was killed while leading the anti-dompas campaign, and Dr Margaret Mncadi, the first president of the African National Congress Women's League in KwaZulu-Natal.
Lesser-known historical figures whose names will make it on to the city streets include Masabalala Yengwa, who was a provincial secretary of the ANC at the time when Albert Luthuli was President.
His name will replace NMR (Natal Mounted Rifles) Avenue.
Alice Street will now be named after Johannes Nkosi, who died on Alice Street in 1930 as he was leading an anti-dompas campaign.
Luthuli Freeway
Stanger Street will be known as Stalwart Simelane Street - Simelane was a treasurer of the ANC in the 1950s while the M4 southern freeway will be named after Chief Luthuli.
BuaNews reported that the contribution made by women in the struggle against apartheid had also been recognised with the name of Margaret Mncadi being recommended for Victoria Embankment.
The renaming process has been described as racially inclusive with Grey/Broad Street being renamed to Yusuf Dadoo Street and Commercial Road becoming Bram Fischer Road.
The M4 northern freeway will be known as the Ruth First Freeway.
- I-Net Bridge (News24)