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If a jubilant Gqeberha rugby fan has his way, the R75 to Despatch could in the future be named after outgoing director of rugby and former World Cup Winning coach, Rassie Erasmus.
Taken in by the team's triumphs and Erasmus' leadership, former rugby player Lubabalo Mpongoshe said he had officially submitted documents to the Eastern Cape Geographical Names Council (ECPGNC) this week, proposing the name change.
In confirming receipt, the ECPGNC said this is the first time that the committee has received an application for a place name to be named after a sportsman in the province.
He told Algoa FM News that Erasmus is a "nation builder" who embodies true leadership.
"Rassie is a role model and a nation-builder for all South Africans. He truly believes that together we can achieve more as a country.
"This is the one South African that does not look at race, or where you come from, but rather at how we can all work together as a unified nation."
When asked why he chose the R75, Mpongoshe said it would be fitting, seeing that Erasmus hails from Despatch.
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ECPGNC chairperson Christian Martin said the motivation mainly cites Erasmus' success as an athlete, his commitment to excellence in the sport of rugby, and his dedication to the country.
"This makes him a role model and a nation-builder for all South Africans.
"The motivation further indicates that his integrity, hard work, and tenacity inspirational to all South Africans to be the best they can be, and therefore it is fitting that this street be named after him, as it will serve as a constant reminder of his accomplishments and the values he embodied.
"Renaming these streets after him will inspire future generations to follow in his footsteps," said Martin.
— AlgoaFMNews (@AlgoaFMNews) November 2, 2023
Mpongoshe's application will follow the same process as all applications received by the ECPGNC.
It will be tabled to the Nelson Mandela Municipality before it can be presented for public consultation with the affected communities.
In accordance with the SAGNC handbook, geographical entities named after persons should be in accordance with the stature of the persons concerned, and written permission should, where possible, be obtained from the individual or the individual’s family or heirs before that person’s name is used.
Mpongoshe is hopeful and confident, that South Africans would not be opposed to the change.
