Pretoria name change should prioritise inclusivity and reconciliation 

The ANC has made the decision to change the name of South Africa's capital city. The DA offers all South Africans an alternative vision of a shared future and we therefore propose the reconciliatory name of Tshwane-Pretoria. This ensures that the rich history of all who live in Pretoria is respected and honoured.

The DA's approach is simple; we believe that the names of places and streets in towns and cities should reflect all its residents' histories and heroes. We must acknowledge our discriminatory and unjust past, encourage forgiveness and genuinely seek to develop inclusive cities, where all feel welcome. Nobody should feel excluded. 

We are confident that this proposal will unite the people of Pretoria, ensuring that all feel welcome in our capital city. We will unite and not divide. We must include everyone. Our proposed name will show the world that South Africa is committed to reconciliation and nation building.

In the determination of necessary name changes, the following must be taken into account:

Acknowledgment of the need for town and city names to be inclusive and celebrate the history and heroes of all communities.

Names of streets and places should aim to reconcile and unite, rather than divide. This requires compromise.

It is desirable to change names that do not stir intense emotions.

Ensure an effective public participation process that includes that all political and cultural parties and other role players.

When name changes do occur, they must aim to promote nation building.

The Democratic Alliance urges residents of Pretoria to take part in the public participation process and let their voices be heard. The Pretoria name change should not be a one sided process and therefore all inputs towards this process should be acknowledged and recorded.

Statement issued by Mmusi Maimane, DA National Spokesperson, October 4 2012

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