Fight Against Name Change of Kirkwood to Nqweba

Dear Editor

The Democratic Alliance (DA) will not take the gazetted name change of Kirkwood to Nqweba lying down and will be interacting with our local communities to ensure that as many objections as possible are submitted to the Department of Sports, Arts and Culture.

The name change follows the approval by the Minister of Sports, Arts and Culture, Minister Zizi Kodwa, in terms of the South African Geographical Names Council Act in the Government Gazette dated 22 March 2024.

The 183 objections and more than 600 online petition signatories garnered by the DA have been ignored by the chairperson of the Eastern Cape Provincial Geographical Names Committee (ECPGNC), Christian Martin, in what was clearly a pre-determent decision that was bulldozed through.

Through the whole process Martin failed to act unbiasedly by referring to those in favour of the name change as “us” and those opposed as “them” – further creating division in the community.

The DA on three different dates submitted a request under the Promotion of Access to Information Act (PAIA) to Martin, requesting the name/s of the applicant/s for the name changes of three towns in the Sundays River Valley Local Municipality (SRVLM). He failed to confirm receipt of the PAIA Application, forwarded a confidential email to the SRVLM Mayor and failed to confirm receipt of submitted objections and petitions. This behaviour alone should be grounds for declaring the public consultation process void.

The process and public consultations were flawed from the outset and residents living in affected areas were never timeously informed of public consultation meetings on the proposed name changes. On 19 February 2024 the DA wrote to Martin to bring the flawed process to his attention but we were yet again ignored.

We would like to encourage residents to stand their ground and object again to the proposed name change at the following e-mail addresses Nontsikelelob@dsac.gov.za and NambitaM@dsac.gov.za. These objections must be done within the next 30 days.

The government’s focus should be on changing lives and not changing names. The DA will continue to fight against the proposed name changes and with a proper mandate after the 29 May General Election we will rescue our small towns, the Eastern Cape and South Africa.

Regards

Cllr Minette Bosman
DA Sundays River Valley Caucus

In recent years, the small town of Kirkwood underwent a significant transformation with its name change to Nqweba. This change not only reflects a shift in identity but also signifies a new chapter in the town’s history. Let’s delve into the details of this change and discover the sights to see in this evolving area.

The name Nqweba holds significance as it is derived from the Khoi-San language, symbolizing a connection to the indigenous roots of the area. This change reflects a broader trend of reclaiming indigenous names across South Africa.

Sights to See in Nqweba

Addo Elephant National Park: One of the must-visit attractions near Nqweba is the renowned Addo Elephant National Park. This park is home to a diverse range of wildlife, including the famous Big Five, offering visitors a chance to experience the beauty of the African savannah.

Citrus Farms: Nqweba is situated in the heart of the citrus farming region, making it an ideal destination for those interested in agricultural tours. Visitors can explore citrus farms, learn about the cultivation process, and even indulge in fresh produce from the orchards.

Kirkwood Wildsfees: Every year, Nqweba hosts the Kirkwood Wildsfees, a vibrant festival celebrating local culture, music, food, and wildlife. This event attracts visitors from far and wide, providing a glimpse into the rich tapestry of traditions in the region.

As Nqweba continues to evolve and embrace its newfound identity, visitors have the opportunity to explore a blend of history, culture, and natural wonders in this charming corner of South Africa. Whether it’s immersing oneself in the wilderness of national parks or savoring the flavors of fresh citrus, Nqweba (formerly Kirkwood) offers a unique experience for all who venture into its embrace.

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