Discussions needed on changing 'Pretoria': FF Plus

Freedom Front Plus (FF Plus) says discussions are needed on the issue of the Pretoria name change.

The party’s Willie Spies was reacting to ANC President Jacob Zuma's referral to Pretoria as Tshwane and Tshwane as Pretoria while on a visit to Mamelodi, east of Pretoria.

"Zuma unwittingly illustrated what the solution for the name debacle should be, that is, to recognise both names and use both names", Spies said in a statement.

Use both names
"Such a solution is not at all strange or unheard of. In Ireland every geographical place name has both an English as well as Gaelic name. Every place name board reflects both names. There is no reason why we in South Africa could not do the same."

The FF Plus and AfriForum last year sought an urgent interdict in the Pretoria High Court against plans of the Metro Council to replace Pretoria with Tshwane. The matter will be heard in court at a later stage.

"For such a settlement, statesmanship is required and the FF Plus hopes that the new ANC leadership will be prepared to find a win-win solution," said Spies. - Sapa