Who even lives there?

Changing the names of streets, airports and places always stirs up controversy. But it is more than opinion or personal preference that should make us rid our country of reminders of the oppression or honouring of the heroes of the old regime. Sometimes it is more than necessary and we need to just get on with it and get used to it.

It may just be a nod in the right direction, like calling the food court at UCT The Cissie Gool Plaza – the students just call it "the food court", but it is nice to think that a great champion for equal rights has been honoured.

Over the last 18 years we have had more than one change in local government in the Western Cape. There have been many discussions about name changes, and we now proudly show off a Nelson Mandela and a Helen Suzman Boulevard and have honoured people like Dr Chris Barnard. All great – we should remember our heroes.

I was disturbed to find, on a recent visit behind the Boerewors curtain though, that there still exists a Hendrik Verwoerd Drive. Hendrik Verwoerd was undoubtedly the architect of the evil system of apartheid, responsible for the legalisation of the misery and suffering that was part of our country for so many years, and from which we are still recovering. I am intrigued by who lives there: by who would have no qualms about giving their address and saying that name. It’s as bad as having Adolf Hitler Boulevard in Germany. I am sure that if all the residents who live in that road had vociferously objected, they could have changed it years ago, since local government seems to be occupied with more important things. Clearly they don’t mind.

Anyone keen on a midnight raid...?