{UAH} EFF wants 40 Western Cape towns renamed

EFF wants 40 Western Cape towns renamed

2015-06-04 21:16

Michelé O'Connor, Netwerk24

(Alexander Joe, AFP) ((Alexander Joe, AFP))

Cape Town – As part of the EFF's bid to rid the country of colonial and apartheid era statues, the party wants 40 towns in the Western Cape to be renamed.

Netwerk24 reported that in addition to the 40 name changes, the Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) will also endeavour to change the country's name.

Bernard Joseph, Western Cape chairperson for the EFF, said on Thursday: "EFF will do an extensive research project and the list will definitely be expanded."

According Melikhaeya Xego, provincial secretary for the EFF, the party will also continuing its battle to get rid of the colonial and apartheid era statues .

"We are even going to track down and destroy the smallest statues of Queen Victoria that's being hidden in churches."

"It is unacceptable that there are streets in the smallest hamlets with the name of Jan van Riebeeck or PW Botha."

Joseph said black South Africans, including coloureds and Indians, have suffered long enough under the oppression of colonialism and apartheid.

"Black South Africans are reminded of the oppression every day by names and statues that cannot be changed or removed. It's like a rape victim that has to look their rapist in the eyes every day," Joseph said.

"We are going to put pressure on the national government to change South Africa's name to Azania."

Asked why the party focused on name changes rather than on the upcoming municipal elections, he said that it was all part of the party's election strategy.

"The party will soon meet with communities and voters to announce election plans. The name changes will also be presented to them.

"The EFF believes that changes like these should be an inclusive decision that everyone should participate in."

He said no transformation has so far taken place under the DA in the Western Cape.

Now is the EFF's task to make transformation happen, Joseph said.

Responding to the EFF's plan, Anroux Marais , the Western Cape minister of cultural affairs and sport, said: "It [the name change] is not only impractical , but also hopelessly unaffordable."

"Service delivery will have to be curtailed if the EFF's plan were to be implemented, because municipalities will have to pay for the name change."

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