Gugulethu: Fixing the spelling mistakes of the past

In recent months, the City of Cape Town has undertaken to determine, and rectify if required, the various legacies of the past evidenced in the naming of streets, suburbs and public places. Read more below:

In keeping with the City's commitment to being an Inclusive City, along with the view that city-building is something that involves every resident, the City's Naming Committee will put forward an urgent recommendation that the signage in the Gugulethu area be changed to reflect the correct spelling of the word.

Historically, the spelling of ‘Guguletu' (without the ‘h') was formalised when Gugulethu township was approved in the 1980's by the former general plan(s) for the township. A general plan is drawn up in the case of the subdivision of a piece of land into more than one piece, as was the case with Gugulethu.

It can only be speculated why the ‘h' in Gugulethu was not included in this documentation when it was approved in the 80's. However, the popular opinion and advice from language experts says that ‘Guguletu' is incorrectly spelled and should actually be spelled ‘Gugulethu'.

This kind of work is driven by this administration's commitment to a programme of redress and reconciliation, and the recognition that naming is a powerful tool that can ensure that the names of suburbs and places reflect the unique diversity of the people.

And although it is not practical to change the name on the general plans or the individual title deeds for the area, it is possible for the City to change the appropriate directional and locational signs in the municipality, at an approximate cost of R200 000,00.

While to some the change might seem unnecessary, we take the view that the recommendations represent one of the many small steps we are taking towards an Inclusive City. This process reflects the importance of names to the City and the residents of Gugulethu.

Statement issued by Councillor Brett Herron, Mayoral Committee Member: Transport, Roads and Stormwater, Chairperson of the Naming Committee, City of Cape Town, April 10 2013

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