40 bodies fighting name changes

2008-09-21 21:51

Johannesburg - More than 40 civil organisations have launched a joint campaign against the proposed changing of street names in Pretoria, says AfriForum.

AfriForum's chief executive officer Kallie Kriel said: "The campaign, known as Action Pretoria Street Names (APS), involves the co-ordination of a number of initiatives for the retention of street names of specific cultural historical significance."

He said the organisation would object in writing against the proposed name changes and that possible joint legal action would be explored.

"This decision follows in response to the recent announcement of the Tshwane Metropolitan Council about its intention to change 27 street names in Pretoria."

Kriel said there were five grounds on which the proposed street name changes should be opposed.

These included names that were of exceptional cultural historical significance and were an integral part of the South African heritage.

The name changes were unlawful because the decision to change the names had been taken prior to public participation and because the changes were in contravention of the constitution which stipulated that recognition should be given to all of those who contributed to the development of the country, said Kriel.

Streets earmarked for name changes included Paul Kruger, Pretorius, and Van der Walt streets.

- SAPA