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Dear Siya – Renaming Cape Road in your Honour is Not on

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Let’s get one thing straight Siya (whom I am not alone in thinking the world of) grew up in Gqeberha, went to school at Grey High School, captained the first rugby team and then….

  • Didn’t play for Eastern Province
  • Didn’t play for the Southern Kings
  • Moved to Cape Town
  • Became the Springbok Captain of arguably the best performing SA team ever.

The above is what he is known most for.

He has never returned to stay or play in Gqeberha

Granted, through the Kolisi Foundation, Siya and Rachel support vulnerable communities in Zwide, Gqeberha and Cape Town.

Now that would qualify Siya for consideration to be remembered. BUT, surely then we should rather think of renaming Zwide, his home suburb, after him? Or, at a push, rename one of the streets surrounding the Grey High School – McLean, College, Wares or Salisbury – after Siya?

Siya has already had a field named after him by the Grey High School in recognition of his exceptional talent and Springbok Captaincy. Apologies in advance to Siya’s fellow school pupils – including my son – but I say rather do not name existing streets, suburbs after a living person.

Maybe we could rename the Nelson Mandela Bay Stadium after Siya if he commits to playing in Eastern Province?

“Did anyone ask Siya what he thinks?”

The proposal to change Cape Road to Siya Kolisi Road was submitted by Sherwin Jeptha – born in Komani, lived and studied in Gqberha – to the Eastern Cape Geographical Names Council (ECGNC).

ECGNC Chairperson, Christian Martin confirmed that the proposal had been received and that the process will now get underway.

What’s next? A proposal to change the name of Despatch to ‘Rassie Rusplek’ and the R75 to ‘Stokke Way’?

Alan Straton and Siya Kolisi
Alan, Siya, John, Sigi and Mike
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Alan Straton

Chief Cook, Bottle Washer and Broom Mechanic at MyPE
Passionate about Port Elizabeth and definitely NOT packing for Perth. Alan's ethos is epitomised in the words of Nelson Mandela; "I have fought against white domination and I have fought against black domination. I have cherished the idea of a democratic and free society. If need be, it is an ideal for which I am prepared to die." See more articles by Alan.