The Ekurhuleni Council adopted the renaming of landmarks in the City of Ekurhuleni (CoE) on February 21.
Also read: Name changes in the pipeline for Gillooly’s Interchange, Edenvale N12 and Barbara Road
“In total, there are about 42 proposed names. These names will go through a consultation process through an advertisement in the local media for comments and objections, while public hearings and constituency meetings organised and facilitated by councillors will also be held,” said Themba Gadebe, CoE spokesperson.
The Gillooly’s Interchange on the N12 is proposed to be renamed to George Bizos, due to his dedication to fighting for basic human rights in the apartheid years.
“After the collapse of apartheid, he turned his fight to ensuring that all South Africans equally enjoy those rights enshrined and guaranteed by the constitution,” said Gadebe.
He said that during Bizos’ legal career, he represented political activists including Walter Sisulu and Nelson Mandela in the Rivonia Trial.
Bizos serves as a life vice-president at Saheti School in Bedfordview.
Executive headmaster at SahetiWarwick Taylor said that they are delighted to hear of the name change.
“Advocate Bizos was instrumental in facilitating a change and transformation within the country, helping people who were going in different directions to come together along a common road,” said Taylor.
He said that Bizos is one of the founding members of Saheti, and has served the school for 45 years and is privileged to still have his time and wisdom.
“May the George Bizos Interchange be a reminder to all who travel there that to facilitate real change requires individuals who will stand up for what is right,” said Taylor.
Some of the other landmarks proposed for name changes are Barbara Road on the R24.
Gadebe said that the name is proposed to be changed to Lazarus Mawela.
“The 1976 students uprising activist is a founding member of the Black People Convention, which was a predecessor to United Democratic Front (UDF).
“Mawela was also a former councillor at the then Lethabong Municipality following the first local democratic elections in 1995,” said Gadebe.
The N12 in Edenvale is proposed to be renamed Lungile Mtshali.
Gadebe said it was determined on the merit of her being part of the national negotiating team for living wages and working conditions as well as her activism as a member of ANC and ANCWL.
“She served as a member of the Ekurhuleni ANC regional committee from 1995, then later elected as a councillor, which led to her becoming deputy chairperson of Gauteng South African Local Government Association (Salga),” said Gadebe.
Residents expressed their concerns on the NEWS’ Facebook page about the proposed renaming.
Concerns raised were that the city should rather utilise the funds for the renaming on infrastructure.
Gadebe said as part of the process of renaming and naming, the city is calling for comments or objections.
Written comments or objections can be sent to Hendrick.Boya@ekurhuleni.gov.za
The closing date is on April 3.
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