The Democratic Alliance says Sports, Arts and Culture minister Gayton McKenzie may still backtrack on several proposed town and city name changes in the Eastern Cape.
It comes after more than 38,000 objections were submitted following the announcement of the proposed changes in February.
The proposed changes include renaming East London to KuGompo City and Graaff-Reinet to Robert Sobukwe Town.
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DA MP Marina Van Zyl posed several questions to the minister about the objections in Parliament.
“These responses were sent to Minister McKenzie’s office two months ago, and I wanted to see where we were,” said Van Zyl.
Opponents of the changes argued that communities were not properly consulted before the names were gazetted.
Van Zyl said the minister still has room to reconsider.
“The reply specifically stated that the department is still processing these 38,000 objections and that the matter may again be referred to the South African geographical names council… So, the process is clearly not entirely closed.”
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Some business groups say that changing the names of towns could be costly.
“This should not become a situation where public participation is treated as a box-ticking exercise after decisions have effectively been made,” Van Zyl said.
“It’s ultimately for us about process and public consultation.”
Supporters of the changes say they are important for restoring indigenous heritage.
Sara-Jayne Makwala King
www.ewn.co.za