GEORGE NEWS - The name of PW Botha Boulevard is once again under scrutiny after the Good Party formally submitted a motion calling for the street to be renamed.
The motion is set to be tabled at the next George Municipal Council meeting on 29 January.
This is not the first time the issue has surfaced locally. In 2017, an application was filed by the Abeeda Harris Foundation to rename PW Botha Boulevard to Abeeda Harris Boulevard - in honour of a young girl killed during apartheid-era unrest - but the proposal did not progress through municipal processes at the time. The PBI also submitted a motion in this regard in 2016, but to no avail.
In a statement issued this week, the Good Party confirmed that the motion was submitted and will be brought by Good councillor Chantelle Kyd.
The party argues that retaining the name of former apartheid-era president PW Botha on public infrastructure is inconsistent with South Africa’s constitutional values.
Kyd said it was thought best not to suggest any specific name as alternative, but rather have the communities of George decide on a name.
The motion calls for an inclusive public participation process, with particular emphasis on engaging communities that were historically excluded from such decision-making. The party has also proposed that residents be invited to submit alternative street names that reflect democratic values, social justice and shared community heritage.
According to Good, the continued use of PW Botha’s name remains a painful reminder of apartheid-era repression and exclusion. The party points out that Botha never acknowledged the harm caused under his leadership nor expressed remorse for the policies he defended.
“Public naming is not a value-neutral act,” said Kyd. “The names we choose for our streets and landmarks reflect the values we elevate as a society. In a community still healing from the spatial and social consequences of apartheid, it is our duty to ensure our shared spaces affirm the dignity of all residents, rather than honouring those who sought to destroy it.”
The motion argues that honouring PW Botha contradicts the constitutional principles of human dignity, equality and non-racialism, and that ethical governance requires municipalities to act as responsible custodians of public spaces that promote social cohesion rather than division.
Good is calling on the George Municipal Council to formally acknowledge that the naming of PW Botha Boulevard is inconsistent with constitutional values and to initiate an official renaming process in line with municipal bylaws and national regulations.
Good has stressed the importance of transparency throughout the process, requesting that the municipal administration table a comprehensive report on public submissions and that any final decision be accompanied by clear reasons communicated to the public.
“This is an opportunity for George to move forward,” Kyd added. “By addressing these symbols of our past, we are making a commitment to a more inclusive, dignified and united future for every person who calls this city home.”
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