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GEORGE NEWS - Following last week's announcement that the Good Party plans to table a motion at the George Municipal Council meeting on 29 January to change the name of PW Botha Boulevard, George Herald spoke to some local business owners to gauge their thoughts.
During site visits on Monday and again on Tuesday, many owners were hesitant to comment.
George Herald noted it seems this change, although understandably inconvenient and costly, is a hot topic. One anonymous shop owner admitted to being unsure about sharing an opinion, echoing the sentiments of several others.
Among those willing to comment, the opinions were mixed. Romantha Britz, branch manager of Sprint Packaging, said the change wouldn't affect her business directly, as their address is linked to Ruby Crescent at the back of the building. Still, she acknowledged that names carry history. "Change isn't always bad. It might bring a positive impact, especially if there is a new positive association to the name," she said.
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Not everyone shares this optimism. Hennie Pienaar, owner of Der Lederhändler in George, highlighted the practical challenges a name change would bring:
• All business documents, websites, licences, invoices, business cards, marketing material and staff contracts would need updating - a costly and time-consuming exercise.
• Deliveries could be disrupted while courier services adjust, potentially leading to delays and lost packages, creating additional administrative pressure.
• Online search results, such as Google Maps, would take time to update, affecting digital visibility and potentially costing clients.
• All contracts, including lease agree-ments, would require a domicilium address update, adding a further administrative burden.
"In view of these implications, the name change is absolutely unnecessary. I cannot think of anything positive that comes with changing the name of PW Botha Boulevard," Pienaar said.
As the debate heats up, George residents and business owners will be closely watching when the Council convenes later this month.
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