Public invited to have say on new Bay street names
New names are on the cards for some of Nelson Mandela Bay’s streets.
Among the names proposed is that of anti-apartheid activist Steve Biko, to replace Strand Street in the city centre and Njoli Square in Kwazakhele.
Public meetings start on Monday and end on Wednesday next week.
Other anti-apartheid activist names put forward are:
● George Pemba for Ferguson Road;
● Welcome Duru for Connacher Street;
● Sizwe Kondile for Avenue E Street;
● Nomhle Nkonyeni for Aggrey Street;
● Mkhuseli “Khusta” Jack for Gratten Street; and
● Cecil Magqabi for a newly built swimming pool in New Brighton.
The proposals have received mixed reactions.
Jack, a former columnist for The Herald, said he felt indifferent to having a street named after him.
“In the past, I have said changing names to those still living is not ideal because we should honour our past heroes,” he said
Municipal spokesperson Kupido Baron said the process started in 2017 after requests from ward-based structures.
He could not say what the process would cost.
“We are calling on residents, stakeholders and various stakeholder groupings to attend and raise their views in line with prescribed processes in the SA Geographical Names Council Act and the Handbook on Geographical names.”
While street names and facilities fall under the jurisdiction of the municipality, Eastern Cape Geographical Names Committee deputy chair Zukile Jodwana said they would have advised the city to avoid names of people who are still alive.
Sports, recreation, arts & culture political head Siyasanga Sijadu urged residents to attend the public meetings, “if you want to have a say in the future of the city”.
Bonakele “Bobo” Pemba, grandson of late prolific SA writer and painter George Pemba, said the recognition was an honour for his family.
“We are elated,” he said.
“We, as a family, had discussed the issue of using my grandfather’s name and we are all very happy about it.”
According to Pemba, the family had tried previously, without luck, to open an art gallery in Ferguson Road.
“[My grandfather] lived at 28 Ferguson Road for many years so this is a very welcome initiative.
“Most family and community members are very excited.
“The general view is that it is about time people like George are recognised for what they have done.”
Kabega Park resident Sean Watson, 24, said he did not see the need for the street name changes.
“That money can be used to fix some of the other problems in the metro, like roads and infrastructure.”
But Michelle Conradie, 32, of Newton Park, welcomed the proposed name changes.
“It is good to see other people are being recognised for their contributions to society and not only politicians.
“We need to move forward in South Africa.”
Monday night’s public meeting will be held at the City Hall auditorium at 5.30pm.
On Tuesday, a meeting will be held at the Nangoza Jebe Hall in New Brighton at 5.30pm.
Next week, meetings will be held at the Cecil Kapi Hall in New Brighton on Monday, the Nangoza Jebe Hall again on Tuesday and Daku Hall in Kwazakhele on Wednesday.
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