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Transport Minister Fikile Mbalula says his department is currently considering a report on the renaming of the country’s airports.
In response to a written parliamentary question and answer session, Mbalula said the report includes the outcome of public presentations regarding the renaming of Cape Town International Airport.
He said the South African Airports Company (ACSA) has also embarked on a project to rename East London Airport, Port Elizabeth International Airport and Kimberley Airport.
“This is in line with the South African Geographical Names Council Act and is part of the Government Program for Heritage Landscape Transformation.
“Under the law, the Minister of Art and Culture is responsible for the approval of geographic names after receiving recommendations from the South African Geographical Names Council (SAGNC).”
SAGNC is responsible for geographic features of national interest including, but not limited to, towns / cities, suburbs and any form of human settlement, post offices, stations, highways, airports, and government dams.
The council is also responsible for natural landforms such as mountains, hills, rivers, streams, bays, headlands, and islands.
Mbalula said ACSA appointed an independent public participation consultant to facilitate a transparent public participation process.
“A report has been presented to the Department of Transportation that describes the methodology undertaken to guarantee a transparent public participation process, as well as the result of the proposals, which is being considered by the department.”
Mbalula said the report considers a number of issues, including:
- Broadcasting an advertisement in print media and radio broadcasts to solicit name proposals,
- The public hearing event,
- How public feedback and results were collected.
“The report also includes the renaming process for East London Airport, Port Elizabeth International Airport and Kimberley Airport, which is facilitated by provinces and municipalities,” he said.
King Phalo Airport
The Eastern Cape government is currently considering an official name change for various towns in the province as part of a program designed to transform the country’s geographic landscape so that it is more representative of its people.
The main metropolitan area of East London has been identified as one of the cities that could see a change, with KuGompo provided as an alternate name.
Other proposed changes include:
- King William’s Town was renamed Once;
- Berlin renamed to No resurrection;
- East London Airport was renamed King Phalo Airport.
The opposition Democratic Alliance said it would oppose “frivolous” name changes in the Buffalo Metropolitan.
“Renaming these metropolitan cities from Buffalo City and the airport will not increase tourism, boost investment, improve service delivery, create jobs, or eradicate the problems that residents face on a daily basis,” said Chantel King of the Attorney General’s Office.
“Instead of spending millions on new signage, the money should be used to improve the lives of the people of the Buffalo City subway.”
Residents have been given 21 days to object or comment on the renaming of the three cities and the airport. The deadline for submissions to the Eastern Cape Department of Sports, Recreation, Arts and Culture is September 21.
Winnie Mandela International Airport
In 2019 the EFF campaigned to change the name of Cape Town International Airport to Winnie Mandela International Airport.
Madikizela-Mandela was a member of the fifth parliament and had previously been recognized for her enormous contribution in the fight against apartheid, the party said.
“(The house) recalls that there are very few important spaces and areas named after women freedom fighters in South Africa.
“The greatest honor to give Mama Winnie Madikizela-Mandela will be to change the name of Cape Town International Airport to the icon of the struggle, to ensure that the memories of her valiant war against Apartheid are not erased,” he said.
Read: What to expect from the new Ramaphosa recovery plan for South Africa
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