Reservoir Hills residents divided over renaming Mountbatten Drive

A call to rename Mountbatten Drive in Reservoir Hills has been met with mixed reaction and objection from some of its residents.

The Reservoir Hills Ratepayers Association, a non-profit company (NPC), have written to the eThekwini Municipality proposing a change of the suburb's main road from Mountbatten Drive to Dr Kevin Naidu Drive.

Naidu, affectionately known as Doc Kev, and described as a community hero, died in March after suffering from ill health.

The NPC started a petition on change.org calling for the renaming. It garnered over 770 signatures thus far.

"We, the undersigned residents of Reservoir Hills, members of the broader Durban community, and supporters of social justice, call on the eThekwini Municipality to formally rename Mountbatten Drive in Reservoir Hills (Ward 23) to “Dr Kevin Naidu Drive" — to honour the life and legacy of the late Dr Kevin Naidu, affectionately known as Doc Kev," read the petition.

It further stated that for over 20 years, Dr Naidu served the community with compassion, humility, and dedication.

"He provided affordable, often free, medical care to the elderly, vulnerable, and underprivileged. He treated people with dignity, regardless of their background or ability to pay.

"In June and July 2024, after a tornado devastated Tongaat, Dr Naidu, despite needing surgery himself, selflessly travelled to assist survivors. For over a month, he treated the injured, supported the homeless, and distributed medication and toys to children, all at his own expense and with help from community sponsors. This was just one example of his incredible heart and generosity," read the petition.

The NPC claims the current name, Mountbatten Drive, honours a colonial figure with no relevance to the people of Reservoir Hills.

Yogesh Naidoo, founder and director of the NPC, said Naidu was selfless, knew his roots and helped anyone in need.

"He gave his all to the community. His practice was on Mountbatten Drive. If we don't succeed in the renaming we will find another way to honour him."

He said he is aware that there has been objection to the renaming.

"We don't want to create animosity," said Naidoo.

Ish Prahladh, chairperson of the Reservoir Hills Ratepayers and Residents Association, said they did not approve of changing the name of the main road, adding that it was an iconic name in the suburb.

"Everyone is accustomed to Mountbatten Drive. If we change the name it must be to a stalwart from the community who has done work for 40 to 50 years.

"If they want a name change, they should consider one of the smaller side roads. This will be costly for businesses on Mountbatten to have the name changed," said Prahladh.

Thegraj Kassie, who represented some of the residents on Mountbatten Drive, said they object to the renaming as the name has been in existence from the 1950s or 60's, has a long-standing history and was globally recognised.

"In light of the current economic situation and the inability of our municipality to provide and maintain basic services, we feel that a name change is an unnecessary and an expensive endeavor for businesses and residents on Mountbatten Drive.

"There are many other priorities. There are many other ways to honour community stalwarts without pointless expenditure," said Kassie.

Kassie said if Dr Naidu was to be recognised as a community worker, the street on which he lived should be renamed after him. 

SUNDAY TRIBUNE