The family of South African Communist Party stalwart Moses Mabhida would like to see the proposed King Shaka International Airport named after the freedom fighter.
Their call follows a decision by the African National Congress in the eThekwini Municipality recommendation that the existing Durban International Airport be named after him.
However, as Durban International is due to be torn down in a few years, the Mabhida family said last night that they would be glad if the new airport was also named after Mabhida.
"The family has been waiting for a long time for my dad to be honoured and it will be disappointing to see his contribution to the struggle for freedom being recognised just for a few years," said Mabhida's daughter, Nokuthula Mabhida Ndlovu.
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The proposal to rename Durban International has shocked opposition parties, who warned that the exercise may have major financial implications for the city and private sector.
A heated debate at yesterday's full council meeting over the manner in which the renaming motion was put on the agenda could not dull the ANC's enthusiasm, which approved plans for the airport to be renamed.
While the council resolution merely gives the city manager and mayor authority to start renaming negotiations with central government, the renaming process could set the taxpayer and business back by millions.
Changes to vital ACSA signage could cost more than R2 million while road sign changes may reach into the R400 000 range.
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King Shaka International Airport isnt a suitable name?