POLOKWANE – Huge reaction has been received from Review readers to the proposed name change of the Jack Botes Hall in Polokwane.
The EFF attempted to have the motion debated in council, even after the Speaker said the motion was referred to the Geographical Names Committee for further guidance.
The name change was not discussed, but the parties in council objected to the insistence to have the matter debated at that point, as it was not in accordance with council processes and procedures.
Matshidiso Mothapo, Manager of the Public Participation and Communication Unit, said the matter should only be tabled in council once the processes have been satisfied for debate where all parties can then express their views .
Franco Marx, Democratic Alliance (DA) ward councillor, raised a point of order and referred council to the relevant rule, which requires a report from the committee. The point of order was sustained by the Speaker and the council then proceeded with other items on the agenda.
Most of the comments on Review’s Facebook page were against changing the name. Kgaogelo Manoko said: “But u killing the history. Y don’t u build another one and name it after Ike Maphoto. Otherwise u have to (change) everything including street names (sic).”
Lesiba Kevin Mmako’s fear about renaming structures out of the Apartheid era is: “…that we are likely to forget the past and only remember those that liberated the country. We must build our own and name them, so we can be able to tell our story from where it all begun (sic).”
Charlotte Vlok said: “…please change the name… I am sure he (Jack Botes) would prefer not to be associated with what Polokwane has become (sic).”
Mothapo said the proper process will be followed by discussions within portfolio committees.
