Help change offensive place names
The Western Cape government’s MEC for Cultural Affairs and Sport, Arnoux Marais, has called for an audit of all “offensive geographical place names in the Western Cape”.
This is part of the ongoing process to develop a common national identity, social cohesion and inclusivity within the province, the department says in a statement.
People can identify names, as well as come up with alternatives.
All applications should be accompanied by a detailed motivation, supporting documentation (where possible) and evidence that stakeholders, including the community and professionals, have been consulted.
The DA in the Western Cape has welcomed the audit.
Lennit Max, Chairperson of the Standing Committee on Cultural Affairs and Sports, says he is pleased with the initiative of the department to call for the audit.
“It will assist in fostering social cohesion, encourage inclusivity, while also enhancing a common national identity,” he says. “In addition to this, it will give residents and stakeholders a sense of ownership, as they will be actively involved in the transformation of places and spaces.
“I call on all communities to submit enthusiastically the names of streets, squares, parks, suburbs and other geographical areas rooted in colonialism, apartheid, racism, violence and bigotry to the Department of Cultural Affairs and Sports by 31 March 2018. Residents must additionally provide an alternative geographical name.’
The form for submissions and more information can be found on the website of the Western Cape government.