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Residents are upset about the intention of the Umjindi municipality to rename some streets in Barberton.
Although this was reported to be a consultative process there is a suspicion amongst some residents that the street
names will be changed regardless. Complainants even signed a petition to be handed in at the municipality today.
The lodging of objections or comments regarding this issue expires today at 12:00.
Although the council only made a few proposals, it is believed to be only the beginning, with the changing of river
names and even Barberton’s name change in the pipeline.
According to Philip Minnaar, DA Councilor Ward 6, this is a pure political issue.
He said that the Local Geographic Names Change Committee of Umjindi was elected to investigate the issue, but no one
was consulted, not even other political parties. He said that people with a proper knowledge of the history of the
area should have investigated this sensitive issue.
Some of Emjindini’s residents alleged that the council never conducted a proper consultation with them regarding the
renaming of certain extensions.
They only saw a notice of the proposal in the Barberton Times on September 28.
They said the proposed names were the council’s views and would constitute mismanagement of taxpayers’ money.
Minnaar said that offensive names, such as “Kaffir Creek” should be changed, but it would be an expensive exercise to
change names simple for the sake of change.
Heleen Bosua of Bosua and Cornelissen told Barberton Times that the council did not consider the financial implication.
She wanted to know who was going to carry the financial burden of the name changing, especially De Villiers, Crown and
General streets where most of the town’s businesses are situated.
She said that the proposed street names were not offensive at all and should remain. “Instead of wasting money on this,
the municipality should rather upgrade roads, which are in a poor condition,” she said.
Residents of Emjindini said that funds allocated for the renaming should be invested in addressing problems like the
shortage of services and unemployment.
Mduduzi Zulu, Umjindi municipal communication officer said a thorough consultation was conducted. He said people who
complained were those who had not attended the council consultation meetings.
“On several occasions, we have invited people to discuss the matter of renaming the extensions,’ Zulu said.
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