DURBAN - ETHEKWINI Municipality has unveiled a revamped building, which was previously the eThekwini government garage at the intersection of Dr Goonam (Prince Edward) and Joe Slovo (Field) streets.
The new state-of-the-art building was named after Charlotte Mannya Maxeke, and forms a core part of the city’s redevelopment and re-urbanisation programme.
Department of Social Development spokesperson Mhlabunzima Memela said the government was paying exorbitant rentals for offices within the city. “The department introduced a new initiative to revamp old buildings and convert them into office blocks to bring services to the people. The construction of these offices will see the department saving millions of rands on rentals.”
Deputy chairperson of the Kwazulu-Natal Provincial Geographical Names Committee, Dr Gugu Mazibuko, said it was fitting to have public infrastructure named after liberation figures such as Charlotte Maxeke, and other women who have demonstrated good leadership.
Responding to a question by the Daily News about the high crime rate in the vicinity, which affected pedestrians and bus and taxi commuters, eThekwini spokesperson Msawakhe Mayisela said regular patrols by Durban metro police would ensure public safety.
“We have installed cameras to monitor any activity in the area. We have also ensured that the security personnel are more visible. We will partner with members of the public to make sure that our city is safe,” said Mayisela.
The national government has declared 2021 as the Year of Charlotte Maxeke, who was born 150 years ago.
Maxeke, who has been honoured and hailed as a revolutionary ahead of her time, was the first leader who wanted women to be represented in critical decision-making bodies in the ANC. She founded the Bantu Women’s League to champion the women's struggle, which was the precursor of the ANC Women's League.
Charlotte Maxeke’s granddaughter Olga Mannya-Sema said her grandmother’s legacy lives on and continues to influence society.
“Our grandmother was selfless and never demanded anything from anybody. She was at the forefront and fought for the liberation of the African people,” Mannya-Sema said.
Her grandson Moeketsi Maxeke said Maxeke was an extraordinary woman. “As excited as we are, we encourage the government to ensure that this beautiful building is reflected in the services which will be offered here. We must not just go around erecting beautiful buildings, but offer poor services to our people,” he said.
Daily News