Another city‘s name changes

Johannesburg – The Potchefstroom city council has decided to rename the city “Tlokwe”, the chief administrator in the mayor‘s office said yesterday.

“There was a special council meeting last night (Tuesday) where this was decided. An application will now be made to the provincial geographical names council for consideration,” said Errol Temane.

“The people who lived in the city before 1838, which is when Andries Hendrik Potgieter, came to the city, referred to the area as Tlokwe. It was decided that name should be used again,” said Temane.

He explained that a motion was first submitted in August, 2004, for the renaming of street names and public facilities in Potchefstroom. Streets and the Andries Hendrik Potgieter Banquet Hall were identified.

A public participation process followed in which a majority of the city‘s people said the council should consider changing the name of the city, said Temane.

“This is how and when we decided to change the name of the city. The people asked for it, so we took it into consideration and last night decided that it will be changed,” said Temane.

“The DA and the FF Plus accepted there was a need for change.” – Sapa