Khoi, San want activist honoured

An Eastern Cape Khoi and San community, which sparked outrage in 2021 when it successfully petitioned for the renaming of Port Elizabeth to Gqeberha and the town’s international airport to Chief Dawid Stuurman International Airport, is now targeting the town’s busiest road – William Moffett Expressway.

In a formal application to the department of sports, arts and culture’s provincial geographic names council, the group said it wanted the highway to be renamed Dennis Brutus Expressway.

Khoi and San paramount chief Gert Steenkamp said in the application that renaming the road after the anti-apartheid activist would be a fitting way to honour his legacy.

Prof Brutus rose to fame by campaigning for the banning of South Africa from the Olympic Games due to its racial policy of apartheid.

He wore many hats during his lifetime, as an activist, journalist and a poet. He died in 2009. He was born Dennis Vincent Brutus on 28 November, 1924 in Southern Rhodesia (now Zimbabwe) to South African parents. The family moved to Port Elizabeth in 1928 where his activism took shape.

“This gesture will serve as a constant reminder of his tireless advocacy and dedication to fighting against discrimination and oppression,” said Steenkamp in the application.

He added that it would inspire future generations to continue working towards a more just and equitable society.

The road is 2.6km south of Walmer Park shopping centre.

Eastern Cape department of sports, recreation, arts and culture spokesperson Andile Nduna said the council will meet stakeholders to ensure a public notice goes out through adverts, posters, social media and other mediums announcing the proposed changes.

The geographical names committee holds public hearings for proposals for new names of towns and landmarks and then takes the outcomes to the geographical names council.