People’s dignity outweighs financial issues

I am one of millions of South Africans who welcomes the name changes in our country.

I, however, am saddened by the usual objections when issues of transformation come up.

The objections are usually of a financial nature and do not consider the hurt and pain felt by millions of South Africans who have been systematically oppressed for more than 300 years.

I attach no sentimental value or anything else to the name Port Elizabeth.

This city was named by a colonialist, illegitimate governor who was only serving the interest of his colonialist masters in the United Kingdom.

Rufane Donkin named this city after his wife Elizabeth who died in another colonised country namely, India.

Elizabeth never set foot in nor ever saw this city which bears her name.

The proposed name for our airport is welcomed as well.

It is about time that the original people such as the Khoi and San are recognised.

Chief Dawid Stuurman was a great leader who resisted British imperialism and for this he was exiled to the British colony, which is now Australia. Chief Stuurman died there.

His legacy needs to be celebrated and preserved for future generations.

I am tempted to run out and join far left political parties such as the EFF when I read the objections of people who in my view are clearly opposed to transformation.

Financial and tourism considerations should never outweigh righting oppressive colonial and apartheid wrongs.

The dignity of our people is much more important than preserving names that were forced upon us by imperialist countries.

Transformation thus far has been a one-way street and I have always maintained that the TRC and other one-sided reconciliation measures have not had the desired effect.

I appeal to those who lodge objections to name changes to reconsider their positions and to think of their fellow South Africans.

I stretch out my hand as a gesture of reconciliation. Are you prepared to do the same?