GEORGE NEWS - A motion by the Good Party to rename PW Botha Boulevard has not found support in Council, and the DA-led coalition opted instead to refer the matter for further administrative processes.
The motion was discussed in Council last Thursday, 26 March.
Chief Whip Jackie von Brandis said the Council is not the final authority on such decisions and that a formal process must be followed. “Our position has been clear: this matter is not one that can be determined by Council,” she said.
“There is an administrative process that should be followed for the renaming of streets and public spaces, which includes steps that cannot be bypassed.”
Von Brandis confirmed that the motion has now been referred to the administration, where it will undergo a structured process, including public participation, input from relevant committees and expert assessments, before it can return to Council for a final decision.
Chief Whip of Council Jackie von Brandis Photos: george.gov.za
Good pushes for open debate
Ahead of the meeting, Good’s Cllr Chantelle Kyd called for the matter to be debated in person, saying the issue “must take place openly in the Council Chambers, not behind computer screens”.
Kyd described the proposed name change as a matter of public importance, saying it speaks to how the community reflects on its past while building “a democratic and inclusive future”.
“Apartheid was declared a crime against humanity, and it is therefore fair for communities to question whether the names of those who led that system should continue to define our public spaces,” she said.
Following the Council’s decision, Good has expressed its frustration, arguing that the process delays meaningful engagement on the issue.
Good Councillor Chantelle Kyd Photos: george.gov.za
FF Plus opposes move
FF Plus councillor Gert van Niekerk said his party would “vehemently oppose” the proposed name change, raising both historical and financial concerns.
He argued that former president PW Botha played a role in the early steps towards negotiations in South Africa, including a 1989 meeting with Nelson Mandela. “We cannot forever live in the past and think we can build a better tomorrow. A mere name change will not erase history,” Van Niekerk said.
He also pointed to what he described as a symbolic example of reconciliation in George, where PW Botha Boulevard feeds into Nelson Mandela Boulevard.
Van Niekerk further warned of the financial implications, estimating that the name change would cost the municipality about R1.2m, while private businesses could face additional expenses of about R200 000 each for rebranding, signage and administrative updates.
“Statistics show the municipality may carry only 10% to 30% of the total cost, while the private sector bears up to 90%. Can we really afford it?” he asked.
Deputy Mayor Gert van Niekerk of the FF Plus Photos: george.gov.za
Next steps
The matter will now follow the required administrative process, including public participation, before returning to Council for consideration at a later stage.
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