Louis Trichardt might not stay

2010-05-10 22:18

Johannesburg - The SA Geographical Names Council has recommended that Arts and Culture Minister Lulu Xingwana approve renaming Louis Trichardt to Makhado, the SABC reported on Monday.

The town was renamed Louis Trichard in 2005 following an appeal court judgment indicating there had been no proper consultation when the municipality changed the name to Makhado in 2002.

"We are satisfied that the municipality has consulted all the stakeholders," council chairperson Tommy Ntsewa told the broadcaster.

"Now we decided that given the fact that for a change of name to happen you do not necessarily need consensus, but you need consultation.

"We then decided that based on the evidence before us we should recommend to the minister to approve the change of name from Louis Trichardt to Makhado. The minister will apply her mind to make a decision."

Group to object name change

The Chairpersons Association in the Makhado municipality was adamant consultative meetings were not properly held.

Association spokesperson Andre Naudé said they would object to the town's renaming.

"We believe that the process was totally flawed and that (it) does not have any integrity. But if she (the minister) makes the decision to change the name then you have to publish the name change in the government gazette.

"Then within the 30-day period we will object again and if we are not adhered to, our objection, we will take it to court."
 

- SAPA