Plans to rename four SA airports draw mixed reactions

South Africans are getting in on the action to rename four airports in the country, Zululand Observer reports.

Airports Company South Africa (Acsa) has given people until June 6 to submit proposals for the renaming of Cape Town, East London, Kimberly and Port Elizabeth airports.

The renaming forms part of the Transformation of Heritage Landscape government programme.

“This will be implemented in terms of the South African Geographical Names Council Act of 1998 (Act No. 118 of 1998) and, therefore, the South African public is requested to forward their proposals to Airports Company South Africa before 6 June 2018,” Acsa said.

Many have heeded the call and shared their suggestions on social media.

Good morning Mzansi, make your mark and send an email to ACSA using this email:

airportnamechange@chand.co.za
Or Call: 011 723 1400
Deadline: 6 JUNE 2018

Rename Cape Town International Airport to – #WinnieMadikizelaMandelaAirport pic.twitter.com/KuWzVV04dD

— Mbuyiseni Ndlozi (@MbuyiseniNdlozi) June 1, 2018

Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) leaders have expressed their support for Cape Town International Airport to be renamed after late struggle icon Winnie Madikizela-Mandela.

ALSO READ: Malema, EFF step up quest for Winnie Madikizela-Mandela airport

EFF spokesperson Dr Mbuyiseni Ndlozi said: “Done my part; Rename Cape Town International Airport to Winnie Madikizela-Mandela International Airport. No motivation needed – she is queen.”

Some people on social media site Twitter have also backed the EFF’s call.

https://twitter.com/MonaDavids/status/1001903532101062659

Renaming Cape Town International Airport to Baba ✊🏿 pic.twitter.com/4QmrUjsYfo

— Duduzane Zuma (@Duduzane__Zuma) May 30, 2018

Many have, however, rejected the process of renaming, and called for resources to be redirected elsewhere.

Has anyone thought of the costs involved? Our economy is weakening and now we have to fork out more for the airport renaming. Remember changing the name is a costly process. Is there a need to change the name though?

— Vendalyze🇿🇦 (@amirduncan) May 29, 2018

Let's start by reducing the price of fuel, data and food the will benefit all of us. Renaming of airports can wait.

— Rocco (@martin_nkosi) May 30, 2018

Suggestions can be sent via email to corporate.affairs@airports.co.za

For more news your way, follow The Citizen on Facebook and Twitter.