NAME CHANGE Attend to be heard
Sonia Wahl
The chairperson of the Graaff-Reinet Economic Development Forum (GEDF), Derek Light, says that all residents should participate in the upcoming public hearing meetings regarding the proposed name change of Graaff-Reinet. "Express your views and, if opposed thereto, have your opposition recorded," Light emphasises. This call to action from GEDF comes after the Eastern Cape Provincial Geographical Names Committee (ECPGNC) announced the dates for the public hearing.
The scheduled public participation meetings are:
26 February at 15:00 - Robert Sobukwe Building for wards 2 and 4
26 February at 18:00 - Alex Laing Hall for wards 4 and 5
27 February at 15:00 - Umasizakhe Hall for wards 5 and 6
27 February at 18:00 - Graaff-Reinet Primary School for wards 3 and 7
Light stresses the importance of widespread resident participation in the upcoming public consultation meetings, given the Minister's stance outlined in his parliamentary response. The Eastern Cape Provincial Geographical Names Committee (ECPGNC) received an application to rename Graaff-Reinet to Robert Mangaliso Sobukwe late last year. In response, the management committee of GEDF has decided to actively engage in the public participation process, opposing the proposed name change. Legal experts have been consulted to provide guidance on the process, examining relevant legislation and regulations. The ECPGNC is mandated to conduct a comprehensive public consultation and report its findings to the council. Ultimately, the council will advise the Minister of Arts and Culture on the proposed name change.
Name change might be determined by attendance
After the Minister receives the ECPGNC's report, he has the authority to approve or reject the proposed name change. The Minister's decision will be made public, giving dissenting parties a 30-day window to lodge objections. In response to a parliamentary inquiry, the Minister clarified that public opinion, as determined by a simple majority of attendees in attendance at consultation meetings, would influence their decision. Derek Light, however, argues that it may not accurately represent the broader community's views.
"The concept of procedural fairness is context-dependent, but in any administrative decision-making process, fairness is crucial," Light says.
"If a process is deemed unfair, any decisions made as a result are subject to review by the courts. The forum contends that there have been shortcomings in the administrative process thus far. Particularly concerning is the lack of access to the application for the name change and the supporting rationale, despite repeated requests to the ECPGNC and Council for this information. Many of the residents lack access to the capital necessary to exploit electronic forms of communication or to make campaign contributions compelling them to utilise petitions to express their opinions."
GEDF mandates professor to conduct survey
Professor Ronnie Donaldson, a renowned urban geographer from Stellenbosch University, was commissioned by the
Forum to conduct a scientific public opinion survey on the proposed name change of Graaff-Reinet. His report, delivered on 24 January, reveals that a significant majority of respondents (83,6%) oppose the name change. The survey, conducted using a quantitative approach, adhered to a 95% confidence standard. It found that residents strongly identify with Graaff-Reinet's name, considering it integral to their sense of belonging and community identity. Moreover, a majority (76,7%) expressed intent to actively participate in the public consultation process, with 36,2% planning to attend meetings and 52,1% signing petitions. Overall, the survey reflects widespread agreement with preserving geographical names as part of national heritage.
The Forum asserts that the findings demonstrate overwhelming resident opposition to the proposed name change. The Forum is not aware of any formal notice given by the ECPGNC for the proposed meetings, but has objected to the proposed meetings at 15:00 as this limits attendance by residents who are employed and cannot attend at that time. The Forum also suggested that the venue should be revised to accommodate the numbers of persons who may attend.
Light says that the Forum will be submitting written representations to the ECPGNC to inform the ultimate decision making by the Minister.
Who is the GEDF?
Established in April 2019, GEDF focuses on community-driven progress. It's a voluntary, public, non-profit, and nonpolitical association dedicated to assisting economic growth within the Dr Beyers Naudé Local Municipality. The Forum's mission is to champion Graaff-Reinet and its surrounding areas, stimulate investment, and create opportunities for all residents.
Its vision extends beyond mere economic development. It aims to harness the full spectrum of community skills and resources to cultivate a stable, prosperous, and inclusive society.