Confusion reigns over airport name change
THERE is confusion as to where in the works the proposed name change of Cape Town International Airport is, with both Airports Company of SA and government saying they don’t know.
Acsa had to abandon rowdy public meetings four months ago after several organisations and parties proposed different names.
According to Department of Cultural Affairs and Sports spokesperson, Tania Colyn, the Western Cape Geographical Names (WCGN) committee hasn’t received a completed name change application, and the Airports Company of South Africa (Acsa) has no information on the application at this stage.
“WCGN only has an advisory mandate once a complete name change application is received. The committee would make a recommendation but, to date, no completed application has been received,” said Colyn.
Acsa spokesperson, Hulisani Rasivhaga, said all submission was done on their side.
However, chairperson of the South African Geographical Names Council, Johnny Mohlala, said the public participation process is still with Acsa, who have yet to complete the process.
“Once Acsa has officially consulted on it, then they will share the application with us. According to us, there is still a need for further consultation.
“We must follow the process to the letter.
“(It will take) nothing less than four months for the name change.
“It’s not something we’re going to rush,” said Mohala.
Chairperson of the City’s Naming and Nomination Committee, councillor Brett Herron, said the proposal is still at a very early stage. |