Fight for Nelspruit’s name not political
The hearing to decide Nelspruit's name is to start in two weeks.

NELSPRUIT – The upcoming hearing in the fight to keep the city’s name is drawing nearer and has caused quite a stir in the community over the past few weeks. The KLCBT (formerly the LCBT) is taking on the minister of arts and culture in the North Gauteng High Court in a bid to prevent Nelspruit’s name from changing to Mbombela. The hearing is set to start on August 26.
According to Mr Nick Elliot, the chamber’s former president and one of the main drivers of the case, the view held by some that the court case is political is incorrect. “We have not been motivated or funded by any political party or politically associated organisation,” he said. “We acted on an outcry from our community and business people to put a stop to a decision which was not properly considered or consulted.”
The chamber has repeatedly argued that the process of public participation was flawed, from the public meetings to the individuals who voted in favour of the change to Mbombela. “Each individual and business person have their own reasons for supporting the name change or not,” Elliot said. “They should have been afforded the opportunity to be heard, but even more importantly, the opportunity to hear the reasons for the submission of each of the proposed names, including Nelspruit.”
Another reason the chamber opposes the change is the costs involved. By its own estimations it could cost tax payers as much as R350 million, including sign boards and title deeds. The Mbombela Local Municipality resolved to change all general plans and maps as soon as the name change is implemented. Yet, Mr Wikus Roos, a conveyancer with Du Toit Smuts & Matthews Phosa Attorneys, this should not be necessary.
“The municipal areas and extensions describing a plot of land or property are defined and will not change if the town’s name does,” he said. “It should not be at all necessary to re-register all title deeds.”
Elliot said the chamber would absolutely stand by the outcome of a mutually acceptable process. Ms Linda Grimbeek, correspondent at the chamber, confirmed that they have raised half of the R400 000 needed for the upcoming hearing. “The funds are steadily trickling in and pledges amounting to R100 000 were received in the past 24 hours,” she said on Wednesday.
To make a contribution, deposit cash or credit card donations at KLCBT’s offices at Crossing Centre. Deposits can be made into the following bank accounts: Standard Bank, Nelspruit branch, LCBT, account number 330 670 689; First National Bank, branch code 270 352, Lowveld Info, account number 531 300 392 25; or Absa Bank, Nelspruit branch, Lowveld Business, account number 405 473 5407.