Madam – It has come to our notice that Council has resolved to name the new civic centre the Nkosi Albert Luthuli Municipal Precinct and that the official opening was on Friday, 22 July 2016.
In this regard we wish to direct your attention to Council’s Policy on Place Naming which seeks to regulate and standardise the processes associated with the naming of inter alia municipal buildings. The policy spells out in detail what processes are to be followed, one of which is public consultation which in this instance has NOT been followed.
We wish to place on record our concern and objection against the naming of the Civic Centre which is being financed by the ratepayers of this town and who have been ignored, contrary to your own policy, to be engaged in the naming process either by given an opportunity to propose a name and/or commenting on any proposal in this regard.
We believe the naming of the centre is premature, as the processes stipulated in Council’s policy have not been complied with.
Your URGENT attention to this matter will be appreciated.
We thank you.
Newcastle Ratepayers’ Association
Response from Mayor, Afzul Rehman:
The event and naming have been cancelled.
