“HISTORY’S
NEW WOUNDS”
Producer
Hanti Schrader & cameraman Gerhard Botes
In July
this year the Potchefstroom city council announced it would apply for
the town’s name to be changed to Tlokwe. It’s an announcement that has
led to fierce debate and the establishment of a mainly white lobby group
vehemently opposed to the new name.
Some
residents feel the name change symbolises a disregard for the culture
and history of the Voortrekkers. Others say there are far bigger
priorities than changing the town’s name. But supporters of Tlokwe say
it’s all about restoring dignity and acknowledging the first residents
of the town.
Nationally
more than 840 name changes have been approved, mostly rivers, mountains,
police stations, post offices, airports, streets and buildings. Only 16
towns and cities in South Africa have so far changed name. Name changes
for Pretoria(Tshwane) and Lydenburg (Mashishing) have also caused a
huge outcry.
In
parliament on Thursday (October 12th) President Thabo Mbeki
promised to discuss the issue of name changes with Arts and Culture
Minister Pallo Jordan to find solutions acceptable to all.
In Focus
on Sunday (October 15th) Producer Hanti Schrader and
cameraman Gerhard Botes capture the debate and the issues in an insert
that finally asks of the viewer to decide whether name changes promote
nation building.
