The Democratic Alliance (DA) in Limpopo says that the ongoing name change process in Tzaneen and Haenertsburg is a calculated political move strategically deployed in the lead-up to the 2024 general elections.
The party believes this initiative serves as a deliberate distraction from the critical service delivery challenges within the municipality.
The DA has written to the Chairperson of the Limpopo Provincial Geographical Names Committee (LPGNC), Gerald Twala, to request the complete application documents which prompted the decision to hold a consultation meeting on the name changes of towns and significant places within the Tzaneen Local Municipality.
Lindy Wilson, the DA’s provincial leader, emphasised that while historical redress is important, the proposed changes seem disproportionate to the historical context of these towns.
“This correspondence requests comprehensive documentation outlining the rationale behind the decision to convene a consultation meeting on the proposed name changes,” said Wilson.
The proposed name changes for Tzaneen is Tshaneng Town and Haenertsburg to Bjatladi Ga-Makgoba.
Wilson characterised this name change as a financial burden on communities still grappling with the aftermath of the Covid-19 pandemic. He said that it is concerning that the Limpopo Provincial Geographical Names Committee (LPGNC) has proceeded with a name change process which by their own standards are unsuitable.
“The DA sees this move as avoiding the challenges faced by local residents, compounded by what they perceive as the ANC’s failure to provide essential services and opportunities. Some of the proposed name changes do not meet the criteria stipulated in the South African Geographical Name Changes Handbook; a street name does not fall under the jurisdiction of the LPGNC.”
The party plans to launch an online petition, providing an avenue for community members to register their opposition to the proposed name changes.