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Calls have been made to name a major road in Mpumalanga after iconic anti-apartheid photojournalist Sam Nzima.

The Congress of South African Students (Cosas) suggested renaming the R40 road between Hazyview and White River, during a recent ceremony honouring former Cosas leaders.

“Nzima played a major role in exposing the brutality of the apartheid police in 1976. We thought giving Nzima a token of appreciation would be relevant, but we want him to be honoured by naming the road, or a school, in the area after him,” said Cosas provincial secretary Amukelani Gazide.

Nzima, who lives in Lillydale near Hazyview, is internationally renowned for taking the photo of slain 12-year-old Hector Pieterson. Pieterson was shot dead on 16 June 1976 during the Soweto uprising by students opposed to being taught exclusively in Afrikaans.

Gazide said Nzima deserved the honour because his famous photo placed the horrors of apartheid in the international spotlight.

“It was because of his photo that we can relate with what happened in June 16,” he said.

Gazide said Cosas was still finalising plans to meet with provincial education MEC Reginah Mhaule and Premier David Mabuza to get support for their proposal.

He said should the provincial government support the idea, Nzima’s name would live on long after his death.

“We don't want him to be honoured after his death. His is not getting any younger, so the process must be fastened and we will push until our call turns in to action,” said Gazide.

He added that Cosas would also honour other liberation heroes such as Ephraim Mogale through a series of lectures.

Nzima said he was humbled by Cosas' suggestion to name a road or school after him.

“I am so humbled by the gesture. The students showed me that the photo means something to them and that they take ownership of June 16. I am a public asset and if they think it is worth it to name the road or school after me, I would welcome the initiative,” he said.

He also thanked Cosas for honouring him during their recent ceremony.

“This was the first ever token of appreciation from students and it means a lot to me,”said Nzima.

Provincial education spokesman Jasper Zwane welcomed the idea of naming a road or school after Nzima.

“We welcome the idea and we are happy to name a school after people who made a contribution to the nation such as Nzima. We will be waiting for Cosas to come to our offices to discuss the matter,” said Zwane.

He said the call came at the right time because the department was currently building new schools around the Bushbuckridge area, which includes Lillydale village.

Spokesman in the premier’s office Mosia Lebona was not available for comment on Monday. Both his cellphone and office number rang unanswered.