While I admit that the name Es'kia Mphahlele presents a less painful version of our history to me than DF Malan, the government has its priorities twisted.

The many issues that we face as a nation include how many people have access to quality healthcare, decent jobs, education, housing and safety.

My argument should not be viewed as questioning the validity of changing street names.

It does, however, question the urgency of this project in relation to the scary status quo reflected in the lives of the poor majority.

It is imperative for our government to do the most important things first.

Spending millions on changing street names is a luxury in a country that continues to see such brutal economic disparities.

Consultation processes prior to implementing such decisions need to be exhausted extensively.

As ordinary South Africans, we need to come up with more effective mechanisms to hold accountable those in power.

These exclude the violent protests that we've seen destroy the little we have out of frustration.