PRETORIA'S NAME CHANGE CAUSES DIVISION BEFORE SOCCER

The ANC's hastened attempts to change the city's name before the World Cup Soccer Tournament, is forcing South Africans apart in a time when the government had been hoping for increased patriotism and unity (see report). The ANC is making a big mistake if the organization thinks that they can promote nation building with the World Cup Soccer in mind and at the same time change Pretoria 's name without any objections.

Because Pretoria 's name is internationally well known, there will be huge confusion with foreign soccer fans who now suddenly will be attending games in Tshwane. At present FIFA is using both Pretoria and Tshwane in their official documents and on game tickets.

In the world there are many examples where cities have two names or where compromises had been found for similar problems. The requirement is of course that the governing parties should have the will to consider everybody. The FF Plus plans to take up this issue with President Zuma and to establish if this will does exist.

As Andries Pretorius is one of my hero's, the proposed change to the name of Pretoria is an insult to me and everyone that feels the way I do.

Statement issued by Dr. Pieter Mulder, Freedom Front Plus Leader, January 27 2010

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