William Shakespeare immortalised the words : “What’s in a name? That which we call a rose. By any other name would smell as sweet.” This is Juliet’s response to Romeo regarding her feelings for him and not his name. Real life is not as forgiving as is this lyrical tale of “Star cross’d” lovers.
The ANC appear to have an issue of pride at stake. Despite the insufficient public participation in the proposed name change Vanity is driving this name change which makes no sense. Today the Tshwane council has to adopt a revised budget due to the dramatic under-performance of the ANC to effectively govern and deliver services to the residents of the Metropolitan council. Yet despite calls by many cultural groups in this Metro to concentrate on service delivery, the ANC feels it politically necessary to enter into Smoke and Mirrors techniques once again to mislead their own supporters. Pride is driving this. They have stated to the world and FIFA that the host City is Tshwane, as they were proved wrong they feel the need to ignore the massive costs and public opinion on the topic.
Motivation for the name change is that Pretoria was the seat of Apartheid. Well the entire country was responsible for Apartheid. Why not bulldoze the Union buildings, the seat of Apartheid whilst at it then? This would be as tantamount to fruitless and waistless expenditure as is the proposed name change.
Having recently watched the movie “Invictus” I was once again amazed at the leadership and character of Nelson Mandela. Why can’t his successors concentrate on the lessons taught and attitude of this great man. Had Mandela been like the current leadership of the ANC then this country would not be in such a wonderful position as it currently is.
The majority of the residents are indifferent to the name Tshwane but many are passionate about Pretoria. Why not consult more on this issue? Perhaps my counterpart in the ANC, Mr Spatla Ramokgopa should go and watch the movie again.
Our region can not afford this expensive exercise in vanity. The ANC does not need this fruitless action to prove a point. Our region needs understanding of each others difference and past but most importantly it needs respect for the respective cultures and history.
In the spirit of Nelson Mandela’s example I will be seeking a meeting with Mr Ramokgopa to express the contrary views of a large portion of our residents. I wish to explore the win-win situation which currently exists under the existence of the City of Pretoria which falls part of the Metropolitan Council of Tshwane. Before we as a Party formally are forced to raise objections and follow other legal processes to the recommendation of the South African Geographical Names council and the apparent “matter of course” approval by Arts and Culture minister, perhaps logic can prevail. The ANC government structures are even attempting to consolidate the Towns of Bronkhorstpruit and Cullinan into the Metro of Tswhane. Consider the utter confusion to all residents never mind international visitors. Consider the waisted effort when our residents are not being serviced. Consider the frustration and poverty of so many residents. Then consider the vanity.
Brandon Topham
Chairman of the DA Gauteng North Region
No comments:
Post a Comment