DF Akademie selected as school name

THE Hoërskool DF Malan in Bellville may soon be renamed DF Akademie, despite some people being against the change.

The school governing body (SGB) held an electronic vote on the name change on Friday, in which 72.1% of the school community preferred DF Akademie over Protea Akademie.

The motivation for DF Akademie was that “Dr DF Malan and DF Malan High School have two different identities. The process of disconnection between the political figure and what the school has stood for over the years already occurred naturally”.

A turnout of 36.5% was recorded, after 3 466 crosses were drawn from a total of 9 496 voters which also included those who enrolled for 2022.

SGB chairperson Andre Roux said it was a milestone in the history of the school.

Daniël François Malan, a National Party member, served as prime minister of South Africa from 1948 to 1954.

During his term, the foundations for apartheid were laid. “The turnout was twice as high as the 18% turnout during this year's governing body election, which requires only a 10% quorum to produce a valid result.

“The governing body will now fully analyse and validate the results.”

Roux said the next step would be to formally submit the new proposed school name to the Western Cape Education Department for final consideration and approval.

“The SGB would like to emphasise that the decision to change the school's name with care has been taken after a thorough and inclusive process during which as many as possible learners, parents, staff and alumni were involved,” said Roux.

He said as the SGB they trusted that the “awkward process of change will now be able to turn into one where togetherness and pride of our school's traditions and achievements can be expanded with a new name – one that inspires us to reach even new heights”.

Debates around the controversial name change have persisted over the years. A Facebook group, “Trots DF Malan”, started by some parents and alumni against the name change, said they didn't participate in the vote because the proposed names were allegedly obtained through an undemocratic process.

“In our opinion, the process was unfair and does not comply with article 33 of the Constitution, which requires administrative equity. Furthermore, the process also does not meet in our opinion with the respective companies given by the governing body (bhl) in their writings during 2020 and the beginning of 2021.”

A member suggested a legal process.