SPEECH BY THE EXECUTIVE MAYOR OF CAPE TOWN, PATRICIA DE LILLE, AT THE CEREMONY FOR THE RENAMING OF WESTERN BOULEVARD TO HELEN SUZMAN BOULEVARD, November 7 2011
The Premier of the Western Cape, Helen Zille,
Members of the Provincial Cabinet,
Members of Parliament,
Members of the Suzman family, Janet and Patricia,
Trustees of the Suzman Foundation,
Councillors,
Honoured guests,
Good morning, goeiedag, molweni.
This is a historic day for Cape Town. It is a historic day for all those who believe we should recognise the heroes of our past who allowed us to enjoy the freedom and democracy that we have in South Africa today.
Today, we continue with our policy of social redress, one of the cornerstones of which is changing the spatial environment in which we live. By changing the symbolism of different public spaces and utilities, we change the dynamic of this city to one that draws strength from our shared heritage.
This is indeed a special occasion. Today we rename Western Boulevard after one of the greatest stalwarts of the struggle to end apartheid in South Africa, Helen Suzman.
We do so on what would have been her 94th birthday. Helen Suzman served for many years as the lone voice in parliament opposing apartheid. Through intimidation, slights, threats, and many other challenges besides, she stood firm for what she believed in, which was an end to racially oppressive tyranny.