COLUMN: What's in a name?
2007-03-07 10:38
Singa Nxumalo, News24 User
The issue around name changes is of utmost importance due to the influence it has on our daily lives.
The renaming of the Johannesburg International Airport to OR Tambo International received mixed reaction from the public. Before the process was finished, I wrote an article about the matter and highlighted what the implications were during the process and what could be expected afterwards.
One of those reasons were cost implications and time implications. Then, I mentioned what was going to be the worst case for all other airports having to change names. Cape Town has just kick-started the process. More cities will follow the suit as well.
Honestly speaking, how much money is the state going to spend in the whole process? Given the present situation we are faced with (such as crime, poverty, insufficient houses, etc), how can it be solved if so much money is spent on things which do not necessarily affect the well-being of people.
Yes, one does admit the fact that we need to preserve our culture and history. As a matter of fact, we need to ensure that the heroes and heroines are honoured. However, this has to be strategic by means of looking at what people need first and then we can move on to the rest.
While we still have the resources, why not face the challenges of utmost importance first, then honour our legends. It doesn't make sense to have everything politically aligned whereas people are in hunger and starvation.
The issue of the City of Cape Town
Surprisingly, it came as a shock to hear the Western Cape Premier, Ebrahim Rasool, proposing a name change at this stage. This is a city which is faced with problems of housing and illegal land invasions.
Look at the situation in Hout Bay where there is overcrowding, and the DA is even thinking of "forcibly moving people" as the solution. Pople were moved to Imizo Yethu where there is the challenge of insufficient land available. The area was declared a health disaster last year. About 20 000 people live in Imizamo Yethu, and 90% of them stay in shacks.
Does it really make sense for one rushing to name changing when so many people are needing help? The issue was raised by Tony Ehrenreich, Western Cape secretary of Cosatu, but unfortunately, his strategy was more on people invading land illegally. As a result, it created unnecessary noise. Rasool should have realised then that there was a challenge that needed to be treated as number one priority.
Almost the similar case is taking place in KwaZulu-Natal where the Premier, Sbu Ndebele is proposing to rename King Senzangakhona Stadium to Moses Mabhida, and International Convention Centre to Chief Albert Luthuli Convention Centre.
The premier missed out Durban International, but surely it is his next stop?
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