There have been mixed reactions to the announcement of city and airport name changes in the Eastern Cape. This, after Arts and Culture minister, Nathi Mthetwa, announced a number of name changes for towns, cities and airports in the Eastern Cape.
These changes were all published in the government gazette, as well as a number of spelling corrections for existing geographical names.
The most notable change is for Port Elizabeth, which is now known as Gqeberha.
The Port Elizabeth International Airport has also had its name changed to the Chief Dawid Stuurman International Airport.
Although a large portion of the population has expressed their support, name changes have come under increased scrutiny in recent years because of the associated costs, placing further pressure on the country’s already strained economy.
The opposition Democratic Alliance said that it would oppose the ‘frivolous’ name changes in the Buffalo City Metro.
“Renaming these Buffalo City Metro towns and the airport will not increase tourism, boost investment, improve service delivery, create employment or eradicate the problems residents face on a daily basis,” said the DA’s Chantel King.
“Instead of spending millions on new signage, the money should be used to improve the lives of the people of the Buffalo City Metro.”
Despite these objections, many people feel that the decision to rename cities in indigenous languages and after political activists is a positive initiative for the decolonial project, which seeks to “reshape the benefit of preserving heritage in post-colonial South Africa.”
Khoi Activist Christian Martin says this is a step towards recognising the Khoi and San group.
“The Khoi and the San can now officially say they are part of this country called South Africa. The reason being we have been waiting very long to associate ourselves with something. At least in the country now, having the airport named Chief David Stuurman – that is something great.”
As it currently stands, the new name changes are here to stay. The ECPTA encourages all to embrace this change and to show a willingness to welcome a transformative future.
https://www.dispatchlive.co.za/news/2021-03-25-informal-businesses-get-r40m-support-from-bhisho/
