Citizen Online
Monday, November 20, 2006
By Amy Henderson
JOHANNESBURG - The ANC has joined objections to proposed street name changes in Randburg from Hendrik Verwoerd Drive to Nkululeko (freedom) and Hans Strijdom Drive to Malibongwe (praise).
This follows a storm of protest from political parties, business people and residents against the name changes proposed by the Joburg Development Agency (JDA).
The Randburg ANC branch executive committee (Bec) wants Hendrik Verwoerd Drive to be renamed Braam Fischer Drive.
Spokesman Mzi Khumalo said Bec initially proposed the name change because the committee believed former advocate Braam Fischer was one of the most important figures in the struggle against apartheid.
"We feel strongly about him, and feel it would be better for the community to have a road in the area named after him.
"We acknowledge not everyone is aware of who he was or what he accomplished, but that is up to us to change."
Braam Fischer came to prominence when he opposed apartheid laws, and offered his services as a lawyer to defend the so-called treason trialists.
So far Bec's application has been rejected, although Khumalo said the committee would campaign to have the name reconsidered.
- CNS.