'Colonials started name game'

2005-05-18 18:55

Cape Town - Those opposing Pretoria's name change are forgetting those imposed by colonialists centuries ago, said Arts and Culture Minister Pallo Jordan on Wednesday.

"Though some have chosen to make it a party political issue, the procedures for executing geographical name changes are set out in legislation that enjoyed the overwhelming support of all the parties represented in parliament," he said in the national assembly during debate on his budget vote.

The South African Geographic Names Council (SAGNC) was charged with elaborating the policies and principles for naming places in South Africa.

The SAGNC is an advisory body that makes recommendations to the minister regarding the transformation and standardisation of geographical names.

Jordan said: "Those who appear to be caught up in the hysteria about the name for Pretoria would do well to remember that many of the places involved had indigenous African names before the 19th century.

R160m national library

"When new names were given to them by white authorities, no one was consulted. In many instances, Africans continued to use the indigenous names.

"That most of our white compatriots did not know, were unaware of, or chose to ignore these place names is actually irrelevant."

Turning to the new R160m national library under construction in Pretoria, he said it would have about 33 000m² of space for its book collections, reading rooms and other facilities scattered in various buildings around the city.

The new building would provide about 1 800 seats for library users - a marked improvement on the 130 users it could accommodate now.

"The building will add a new and exciting dimension to the capital of South Africa, revitalising the central business district and providing a much-needed investment of capital, human resources and future activity.

"The site will become part of the government boulevard, linking the city centre with the Union Buildings. Its central location will benefit the many users who rely on public transport," said Jordan.

- SAPA