The City of Cape Town will soon begin a public participation process regarding a set of suggested new names for Cape Town streets via its subcouncils.
The request was made by the City’s newly established Naming Committee, under the chairmanship of Mayoral Committee member for Transport, Roads and Stormwater Councillor Brett Herron. The committee met yesterday to discuss the way ahead for the City’s street renaming plans.
“This committee’s task is to make recommendations to Council on naming and renaming in terms of the Naming Policy. We will proceed from the basis that we need to work in a transparent and inclusive manner and that we need to ensure adequate and extensive public consultation and participation,” said Councillor Herron.
The previous City administration had started the renaming process, under an advisory panel then chaired by Ms Rhoda Khadalie. Following lengthy deliberations, a list of 31 name change proposals had been recommended to be approved and implemented.
“It is these name change proposals which subcouncils will be asked to put through a public participation process, under the auspices of the City’s Public Participation Unit,” said Councillor Herron. Four name changes on the list have already been effected and therefore will not be sent to subccouncils for their attention.
The committee agreed to reconvene early in the new year, and to organise a workshop to consider some amendments to the Naming Policy for the City. The committee concurred that this policy had to be sensitive and inclusive of all people affected by it, if it were to stand any chance of being successful.
“A group of 18 experts were put forward as possible members of a new naming advisory panel, following invitations published in the media last month. The City will contact them individually to thank them for their willingness to assist. We will only formally make use of their services once the naming policy has been finalised through a workshop and we fully understand the role of advisory committee,” said Councillor Herron
