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Let’s start with an update on what’s happening in the Eastern Cape at the moment.

While the Western Cape has moved past the water crisis, with our dams filling up over the course of this brutal winter, the Eastern Cape is still struggling.

In a recent report by eNCA, communities that haven’t seen a drop of rain since March have appealed to Gift of the Givers for help, as livestock dies, farms wither, and people struggle to make ends meet.

Things are looking pretty bleak at the moment, which is why a recent proposal under consideration by the Eastern Cape government to spend large sums of money renaming airports and towns seems parochial.

The proposed plan, according to BusinessTech, as outlined by transport minister Fikile Mbalula during a written parliamentary Q&A, is to rename some of the country’s airports, including East London Airport, Port Elizabeth International Airport, and Kimberley Airport.

“This is in line with the South African Geographical Names Council Act and is part of the Transformation of Heritage Landscape Government Programme.

“According to the act, the Minister of Arts and Culture is responsible for the approval of geographical names after receiving recommendations from the South African Geographical Names Council (SAGNC).”

The report also includes the outcome of public submissions with respect to the renaming of Cape Town International Airport. It has been submitted for review.

One of the names under consideration for East London Airport is King Phalo Airport.

A number of towns in the Buffalo City Metro Municipality are also facing a name change, says IOL.

The provincial government is seeking to change East London to KuGompo, King William’s Town to Qonce, and Berlin to Ntabozuko.

As the DA in the Eastern Cape pointed out, changing names would do nothing to improve service delivery, boost tourism, or create employment, nor will it do away with the problems faced by residents day to day – like the current water crisis.

“Instead of spending millions on new signage, the money should be used to improve the lives of the people of the Buffalo City Metro. Residents have been given 21 days to oppose or comment on the renaming of the three towns and the airport.

“We will not stand idly by and watch how millions of rands are wasted on frivolous name changes, money that can rather be used to improve the lives of residents,” the DA said.

You can’t argue with that, especially during an economic crisis exacerbated by a global pandemic.

Name changes are fine, but perhaps funding needs to be prioritised, at least for the time being.

[sources:enca&businesstech&iol]