THE DA-led City of Cape Town has renamed streets in the city's CBD after ANC stalwarts, and other anti-apartheid activists.

On Human Rights Day the city will honour ANC heavyweights Walter Sisulu, Govan Mbeki and former ANC Women's League member Dulcie September.

PAC leaders Robert Sobukwe and Japhta Masemola, writer Uys Krige, and Muslim leader Imam Haron will also be recognised with streets and facilities named after them.

"This is a diverse group of people being honoured," City of Cape Town mayoral spokesperson Solly Malatsi said yesterday.

"Lots of South Africans from different walks of life got South Africa to where it is. It is appropriate in celebrating our history that we recognise individuals regardless of political affiliations."

The renaming process, which was started two years ago, has already seen several significant name changes. Eastern Boulevard became Nelson Mandela Boulevard. Western Boulevard was renamed in honour of Helen Suzman.

Oswald Pirow Road was renamed Dr Christiaan Barnard Drive.

A significant public square was named after former ANC president Chief Albert Luthuli last year. Luthuli was also the first African to be awarded the Nobel Peace Prize.

Another public space in the CBD was named in honour of Krotoa, the Khoi female leader who was an interpreter for Dutch settlers in Cape Town.

On Heritage Day last year, the city started plans to remove the offensive Native Yard designation that still exists in parts of Cape Town, starting with the naming of NY1 to Steve Biko Drive. - pononom@sowetan.co.za