Metro accused of flouting rules in renaming process

The metro has been accused of not following proper procedures in the renaming process.

Mayor Mzwandile Masina announced earlier this year that several geographical features in Ekurhuleni were going to get new names, and invited the public to put forward their suggestions.

Ald Dean Stone and Clr Sinethemba Matiwane in a media statement released in September say they informed the council that the Geographic Name Change Policy presented to council did not follow the correct procedure when the item was brought to council.

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“The metro flouted and ignored several rules in Council and Oversight in order to push the item through, including the lack of public participation.

“The policy clearly states that public participation should take place with the relevant ward and ward councillors of those wards where the proposed name changes will occur, so that suggestions from the community can be taken into consideration.

“This was not the case.

“Just one example is in Ward 75, where the proposal is to change the name of the Springs’ Theatre.

“Neither residents of the area, nor the Ward committee of Ald Stone, as the ward councillor, was consulted on this matter,” says Stone and Matiwane.

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In addition, Stone and Matiwane say they are concerned about the costs related to the renaming process.

The pair say when the mayor was questioned about the costs, Masina said the name changes would be implemented and then they would notify the council of the cost.

Stone and Matiwane say they are troubled by this as it could lead to misuse of public funds.

Stone went on to say, “I agree with the mayor when he says the names of places in Ekurhuleni must be reflective of the heritage of people who live here.

“But at what cost will this be done?” asks Stone.

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Stone went on to say he was unhappy that his ward was not consulted in the renaming process.

“The new name of the Springs Theatre will reportedly be Ken Gampu,” says Dean Stone.

The metro failed to respond in time for publication.

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