In an effort to review and standardise its geographical names, the Buffalo City Metro Speaker of the Council, Councillor Humphrey Maxegwana, convened a meeting of the Metropolitan Geographical Names Committee (MGNC) at the New Council Chambers in City Hall in East London last week.
The purpose of the meeting was to advise the Metro Council on processes of standardisation and assist in the progress of guidelines for the standardisation.
According to the municipal report, the meeting also sought to provide the Eastern Cape Provincial Geographical Names Committee (ECPGNC) with the list and contact details of the Metro stakeholders.
The ECPGNC has received proposals to standardise several geographical names in the City. The names were proposed by BCM residents during public hearings.
The proposed changes include renaming Bulembu Airport to Chief Dyani Tshatshu Airport, East London to Gompo City, Kafrarian Heights in Qonce to Dan Tshatshu Suburb, and Grey Hospital to Dr Vukile Peteni Hospital.
Additionally, the committee is reviewing name changes for various neighbourhoods (NU’s) in Mdantsane and Zones in Zwelitsha, with the final decision pending public participation.
Other proposed name changes include renaming Oxford Street to either King Rharhabe Road or Adam Kok Street, and Zwelitsha-Bhisho Road to Rev. JP Ncaca Road.
The proposed names undergo a lengthy process of consultative meetings. Other applications for the same names might be added.
It is through the consultation processes that stakeholders will ventilate and exhaust their views, agree at times, disagree at times, support old names, or propose new ones that might not be on the current proposition list.
Speaking at the meeting, Maxegwana said: “Renaming streets and public spaces in Buffalo City will create a sense of ownership and pride among residents. This transformation will also attract tourists who want to experience a city that truly reflects its local culture and heritage.”
The Speaker emphasised that in order for the Metro to achieve this, stakeholders, including environmental experts, traditional leaders, and community members, have been invited to share their perspectives.
“The ultimate goal is to empower the people of Buffalo City to decide on the changes they want to see in their City, ensuring that the final result is a City that is truly representative of its inhabitants.”
This process follows after the previous name changes within the Buffalo City Metro in areas such as Bhisho, Ntabozuko, and Qonce.
