In South Africa, What’s in a Name?

Africa in Transition ^ | April 18, 2012 | John Campbell

[MinorityRepublican]

Since the coming of “non-racial democracy” in South Africa, ANC-led governing bodies especially at the local level have renamed numerous streets and other public facilities that formerly honored Afrikaner nationalists. Hence the country’s principal international airport at Johannesburg has been renamed to honor Oliver Tambo, a father of the ANC; it formerly was called Jan Smuts, after the twentieth century Afrikaner politician.

Now, prodded by the mayor, sentiment seems to be growing to rename Pretoria. Among those who want the change, a consensus favors Tswane, with suburbs (likely mostly white) retaining the name Pretoria. But, as Pretoria is the national capital, renaming is not only a local matter. The national Minister of Arts and Culture recently announced that there would be broad-based consultations on the name change, a process that he hoped would be concluded in June.

Pretoria was founded and named by Boers who made the nineteenth century Great Trek and served as the capital of the Boer republic of Transvaal. It was the Boer capital during the Boer War (called by the British the South African War). So retention of the name is important to many Afrikaners and other whites. It is no surprise that the Freedom Front Plus, a right wing white party that nevertheless has a seat in the ANC-dominated national cabinet, is opposed to renaming Pretoria.

Consultation and search for consensus has been part of the ANC’s culture. Though renaming Pretoria has the potential for rubbing raw both blacks (who dislike the association of ‘Pretoria’ with the apartheid regime) and whites (especially Afrikaners who associate ‘Pretoria’ with their national epic), at the end of the day a compromise is likely that will incorporate both names.

[MinorityRepublican]

Demonstrators protest against the proposed renaming of the South African capital Pretoria in this May 21, 2005.

[stubernx98]

Spent a lot of time in SA during the 80’s & 90’s. Had a plant with 120 employees, 98 of them black, and many in our training program for machinists and 5=6 in management training. then along came the do gooders from Berkly, and they cut off funding, so we ended up closing the plant(so did ford 1500 LO).
It used to be place of polite and civilized society. Now it is totally corrupt and investment is fleeing(fled). Look what happened in now Zambia!

[Gay State Conservative]

I can't claim any real expertise regarding South Africa.I've been there twice...for a total of about 2 weeks...the more recent visit having been 30 years ago.I was also acquainted with Helen Susman's daughter,who's a physician in the US.She told me some fascinating stories about her mother's time in the South African Parliament.

What little I've heard about the country in recent times suggests the country,despite its enormous wealth,is heading in the wrong direction.

[Lancey Howard]

Just rename the place “Zimbama” and be done with it.
It’s now just another turd swirling down the African toilet.

[Lancey Howard]

What little I've heard about the country in recent times suggests the country,despite its enormous wealth,is heading in the wrong direction.

"Ya think, DiNozzo?"

[Gay State Conservative]

"Ya think, DiNozzo?"

If I knew who,or what,"DiNozzo" is I might understand you point.

[Gay State Conservative]

"Ya think, DiNozzo?"

If I knew who,or what,"DiNozzo" is I might understand your point.

[AGreatPer]

Loved Howick Falls. Ever hear of it?
Just wondering if you can still go there, deep in the heart of ZuLu Land.
Just some of the most beautiful landscape in the world.

[Unam Sanctam]

“We are marching to Tswane, Tswane, Tswane” just doesn’t fit the rhythm of the song.

[Jack Hammer]

Here’s a thought: once everything is “handed back” to the Black population, rename the country “Poverty Central,” with the government assembly called “Hands Out to the West.”

Meanwhile, the next government program can be referred to as “Failing Economy.” In general, the domestic policy will be known as “Dumbing Down the Nation,” and all foreign policy gambits will be “Scam Gormless White Idiots for the Big Bucks.”