The renaming consultation of Houtkop continues
There are names that the Committee does not promote such as existing names, names of other countries, overused and duplicated, indecent, derogatory and embarrassing names.
VEREENIGING.- A host of community members gathered at the Vereeniging Civic Hall recently with the purpose of discussing the proposed renaming of Houtkop Road (R54) to Duma Nokwe.
An application has been sent to the Gauteng Geographical Names Committee (GGNC) for consideration and it was therefore critical that community members partake in the process. The Programme Director, Sedibeng District Municipality MMC for Public Safety Sport, Recreation, Arts, Culture and Heritage Busang Tsotetsi called upon the GGNC Chairperson to present an overview of the naming processes as well as the proposed geographical name change.
There are names that the Committee does not promote such as existing names, names of other countries, overused and duplicated, indecent, derogatory and embarrassing names.
Tsotetsi said that it is important all stakeholders are part of the street name change when renaming streets or features that may include institutions and public facilities in recognising unsung South African heroes.
“There are lots of institutions, municipal offices and other geographical names with titles that do not relate to the black population and must be addressed,” Tsotetsi said.
On the other hand, the Secretary of the Vaal Heritage Activists Foundation, Moeti Khupane, acknowledged the presence and purpose of the GGNC in addressing present and past issues. He said that ‘Houtkop’ is an offensive name as the meaning in English translates to “Hot Thick Head.” He therefore stated that he supports the submission of the street name change especially in the interest of Tourism.
Vaal Business Corporation CEO Klippies Kritzinger said costs (for the name change) is a major factor for business due to the associated change of street addresses that are used for correspondence by businesses and for navigation in Google Maps when locating their offices etc. Therefore, the street name change will negatively affect businesses.
Overall, the proposed geographical name change received an overwhelming endorsement from the audience with one objection being from the business forum. GGNC Chairperson Dr Mandla Mathebula thanked everyone present for attending, making mention that the GGNC take note of the comments raised and addressed questions and concerns. He also briefly emphasised on the process and mentioned that it is not intended to offend any community member or existing businesses.
The GGNC will consolidate the views and a report for the public consultation will be part of the agenda for the second quarterly meeting of the GGNC that will take place later this month.
