THE deadline to submit complaints against the renaming of Port Elizabeth, Uitenhage and the Port Elizabeth Airport is today, 18 March.
The name changes of Port Elizabeth to Gqeberha, Uitenhage to Kariega, and the Port Elizabeth Airport to Chief Dawid Stuurman Airport was gazetted on 23 February 2021 by the Minister of Sports, Arts and Culture, Nathi Mthethwa.
In a press statement by Nelson Mandela Bay Municipality, Executive Mayor Councillor Nqaba Bhanga, he said citizens across the metropole have made it clear that they are not in favour of these name changes and that the names are not a true reflection of their wishes.
“I stand with the majority of citizens in that we are not opposed to name changes, but it is imperative that the processes followed are inclusive and reflect our constitutional commitment to reconciliation,” said Mayor Bhanga. “After the first very successful meeting of our multi-sectoral committee, established to support the complaint process, we are now ready to make submissions to the Minister.”
- Members of the public can access and complete submission forms at municipal libraries or online at www.nelsonmandelabay.gov.za/page/name-change-objection.
ISSUED: NELSON MANDELA BAY MUNICIPALITY
