MINISTRY SHORT-SIGHTED WITH PRETORIA NAME CHANGE

For the Minister of Arts and Culture to slyly publish the name change of Pretoria in the latest Government Gazette (see here) is underhanded and politically naive. Does the ANC really think that it is possible to change the name of the capital city of South Africa on the sly, without vehement opposition? The result will be mass protests and court cases during the World Soccer tournament and soccer games at Loftus.

The FF Plus will be looking at all possible methods to fight the change. In the past we have at various times taken the ANC to court and will, after consultation with our legal advisors, consider such action.

The ANC is making a big mistake if the organisation thinks it can promote nation building with the World Cup in mind in this way. In the world there are many examples where cities have two names or compromises had been found for similar situations. The prerequisite is of course that there is a political will with the rulers to consider everyone in such a situation. The FF Plus intends to still take up the matter at the highest level with President Zuma.

Because Pretoria's name is internationally known, the sudden change will create huge confusion with foreign soccer supporters who now suddenly will have to attend soccer matches in Tshwane. At present Fifa is using both Pretoria and Tshwane in their official documents and publications and on World Cup tickets specifically to prevent any confusion.

Statement issued by Pieter Mulder, MP, leader of the Freedom Front Plus, February 2 2010

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