Image via: Adobe Stock
An online petition to change the name back from Gqeberha to Port Elizabeth has reached more than 78 000 signatures and counting.
Image via: Adobe Stock
A petition created to “Keep Port Elizabeth name”, has gained more than 78 000 signatures. The online petition shared on social media and started by Jacolene Serfontein was handed to the Nelson Mandela Bay municipality with 75 000 signatures on 9 March.
In February Minister of Sport, Arts & Culture Nathi Mthethwa changed the name from Port Elizabeth to Gqeberha while the Port Elizabeth International Airport was named Chief Dawid Stuurman International Airport.
According to the petition, in terms of the National Geographical Names Council Act (Act118 of 1998) and the Regulations thereof, as well as, the Handbook of Geographical Names, the process of the name change was “flawed”.
READ: DA launches national petition to challenge Port Elizabeth name change
In conclusion, the “Keep Port Elizabeth name” petition adds that the name changing committee should represent the public and should not be used for “self-fulfilment”
“We understand that people were wronged when racial classifications came in years ago, and your hope to change a name is seen as part of the restitution of the wrongs of history, but I want to tell you, that you know there is ways to honour those people.”
The petition suggests that new and upcoming suburbs names could be used as restitution.