Vuyolwethu Sangotsha

The Pan Africanist Congress (PAC) in Eastern Cape hopes that the provincial government will rename Bhisho or Mthatha airports after one of its heroes.

The group's statement follows the announcement this week by roads and transport MEC Thobile Mhlahlo that his department was planning to change the names of the airports, which are currently being upgraded.

The PAC has repeatedly complained that its heroes were not recognised when names were being changed.

"It would be gratifying to have one of the airports named after one of our heroes.

"One of the names we are looking at is that of former Apla commander, Sabelo Phama, who came from Mthatha," said PAC spokesman Zingisa Mkabile.

Mkabile said the renaming of the province's airports was long overdue.

He also wants the airports in Port Elizabeth and East London should be renamed, adding he hoped the department would conduct a proper consultation process when changing names.

While Mkabile was adamant his party would take part in consultation process, Mhlahlo said his department would consult communities.