Update
GRAAFF-REINET NEWS - Graaff-Reinet residents and supporters who are vehemently opposed to the recently announced name change of the historic Gem of the Karoo to Robert Sobukwe Town, are appealing to each and every resident and visitor in and around the town, to participate in a peaceful community protest this coming Saturday, 28 February.
Laine-Miri Coetzee, founding member and committee member of the Graaff-Reinet Bly Graaff-Reinet team, says the entire community is in turmoil over the recent name change that has taken place.
“The community has therefore decided; this is our town and Graaf-Reinet remains Graaff-Reinet.
"Very quickly a committee was set up. Members go from house to house and stand at central points to create awareness of the anti-name change campaign and to get those who feel the same to sign our petition,” she says.
“I can also mention that something is happening here in our town that few, if any, have ever seen. The community is joining hands in this campaign - not a political party - we are all fighting together for one goal!
“We are having a peaceful protest this Saturday, where the community will march down the main street to the Angel of Peace Park,” she says.
Coetzee adds that many activities are planned for the day.
For more information about the event, contact Coetzee at 076 123 1228.
These A# stickers are available at Flashcor Printing at Mr.Paint.
Government should be changing lives, not names
On the same day as the march, DA leader John Steenhuisen will deliver a keynote address at the DA Eastern Cape Provincial Congress, which starts on Friday in Gqeberha - a city still referred to as Port Elizabeth or PE by many residents and South Africans.
In his address Steenhuisen will address the recent outcry over more controversial name changes in several municipalities in the economically struggling province.
Just a year and a half ago Minister Gayton McKenzie of the Department of Sport, Arts and Culture, told the media that he would not be approving proposed name changes for Graaff-Reinet. In spite of this he signed off on many name changes including Graaff-Reinet to Robert Sobukwe Town, East London to KuGompo City, Aberdeen to Xamdeboo, Adendorp to KwaMseki Bishop Limba and Nieu-Bethesda to Kwa Noheleni.
Spreading the message in front of the iconic church in Graaff-Reinet. Photo: Flashcor Printing at Mr.Paint
Steenhuisen released a statement saying he will set out the case for residents and voters viewing name changes as an admission of service delivery failure. "A truly inclusive society means one where good governance leads to reliable services and reliable services lead to job creation and wealth generation. True inclusion must mean job-driven economic inclusion," Steenhuisen says.
He will be joined by DA Federal Chairperson, Dr Ivan Meyer, DA EC Provincial Leader, Andrew Whitfield, and DA EC Provincial Chairperson, Yusuf Cassim.
‘We bring you the latest Garden Route, Hessequa, Karoo news’
