ANC in Gauteng wants to name highway after Joost
The African National Congress (ANC) in
Gauteng has proposed changing the name of the R50 to Joost van der
Westhuizen Drive.
The former Springbok and Blue Bulls rugby player died in 2017 after losing his battle with motor neuron disease.
The provincial department of roads and transport has applied to rename 20 streets and highways in the province.
Transport MEC Ismail Vadi says Van der Westhuizen was an important figure in the world of sport.
"He's a big figure in rugby. He's passed on, so it's a posthumous award. This is not a partisan issue and why shouldn't we celebrate?”
Vadi says the ANC also wants to ensure there is a diverse set of names on the list.
"We need make sure that it doesn’t leant on a particular community or racial category, but to look at the diversity," he adds.
Vadi says it also to celebrate the broader achievement of people who are outside political spheres.
CLICK ON THE MAP TO SEE THE FULL LIST OF PROPOSED NAMECHANGES: