Roads tarred with memories, fit for vehicles fuelled by sentiment.
Now synonymous with congestion, potholes and fatal accidents, a beacon of Roodepoort’s roads may soon be transformed. The Gauteng Provincial Department of Roads and Transport (GPDRT) is calling for comment on a series of proposed name changes for major provincial roads. Among the list is one of Roodepoort’s main arterials, Christiaan de Wet Road, including the section of the road where it becomes Northumberland Avenue.
MEC Jacob Mamabolo explained that the provincial government has a conscious role to play in promoting an inclusive South African identity with this exercise.
“As 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 proposed new name to replace that of decorated Boer Republic General will be Rivonia trialist, Andrew Mlangeni Drive. “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,” he added.
The MEC stated how along with the department’s mandate to fulfil its technical function, it had a duty to promote social cohesion.
“The provincial government has a conscious duty to play in promoting and reflecting an inclusive identity and cultural heritage with such infrastructure. In so doing, it raises citizens’ awareness and appreciation of the heroes and heroines’ roles in the struggle against apartheid, characterised by division, exploitation and racism.”
The Christiaan de Wet Road name change would be the only one affecting Roodepoort, with the others being the attachment of names to provincial freeways linking the centre of the province with the outskirts. The other proposed name changes are Ahmed Kathrada Freeway for the N12, and Helen Suzman Drive for the R59. Under the proposals, the R80 could become Dr Sam Motsuenyane Drive, the R55 the Philip Kgosana Drive, the R500 to Elijah Barayi Drive and the R42 to Ellen Khuzwayo Drive.
In a rare celebration of a sporting icon, the R50 which links Pretoria and Standerton would become Joost van der Westhuizen Drive. GPDRT is planning public participation workshops across the province and those wishing to submit their comments may do so to Rhulani Mahori at Rhulani.Mahori@gauteng.gov.za or 066 474 3000 for more information.
