Gauteng calls for comments on proposed names and renaming of major provincial roads
MEC for Public Transport and Roads Infrastructure says this exercise enables South Africans to honour and celebrate those who have lit the way in different fields.
The Gauteng Department of Roads and Transport is in the process of naming and renaming provincial roads and invites any interested parties to comment on proposed names.
Proposed names include those of eminent persons from various fields including political, business, labour and sporting fields. They also include literary figures across the social, cultural, economic, and political spectrum.
Changes include: N12 to Ahmed Kathrada Freeway; R59 to Helen Suzman Drive; R80 to 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 or Northumberland Road) to Andrew Mlangeni Drive.
As per the Gauteng Geographical Names Committee (GGNC) Policy Guidelines, in terms of Section 2 (2.4) of the Policy Framework and Guidelines for Geographical Naming System in Gauteng, communities should be sufficiently consulted.
The Department has, in the past, named and renamed major routes as part of the province’s commitment to social cohesion, inclusion, and transformation.
MEC for Public Transport and Roads Infrastructure Jacob Mamabolo explained that the Gauteng Provincial Government has a conscious role to play in promoting an inclusive South African identity with this exercise.
“As the government, we have a duty to honour heroes and heroines, who selflessly played significant roles in the struggle against apartheid, 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 conscious duty to play in promoting and reflecting an inclusive identity and cultural heritage with such infrastructure.”
Mamabolo explained that this exercise also enables South Africans 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.
The department will 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.
Details: Interested and affected parties are invited to submit comments on the proposed naming and renaming of the provincial roads to Rhulani.Mahori@gauteng.gov.za or contact 066 474 3000 for more information.
